GARLAND, Texas (AP) -- A contest for cartoon depictions of the Prophet Muhammad in a Dallas suburb is on lockdown after authorities reported a shooting outside the building.
An officer dressed in SWAT gear took the stage toward the end of the event at the Curtis Culwell Center in Garland and told attendees, including an Associated Press reporter, that a shooting had occurred. He said one officer and two suspects were shot.
Garland police have told NBC5 that two men pulled up in a vehicle, both with guns, and shot a Garland school security guard. Police then shot the two men.
Garland PD: two men pulled up got out of a vehicle and started shooting - getting more info now.. @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/vCl4tIl3Nv
- Jocelyn Lockwood (@JocelynNBC5) May 4, 2015Garland Police Department spokesman Joe Harn declined to confirm the SWAT officer's statements and said he had no details.
The New York-based American Freedom Defense Initiative was hosting a contest that would award $10,000 for the best cartoon depicting the Prophet Muhammad at the venue.
Garland PD setting up perimeter around vehicle near event, planning to search it. Businesses being evacuated. @NBCDFW pic.twitter.com/CKtlthCVaX
- Jocelyn Lockwood (@JocelynNBC5) May 4, 2015© 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.