US: Draw Mohammad cartoon contest, anti-Islam rally outside Muslim centre in Phoenix Arizona

Less than a month after a Draw Mohammed contest in Texas sparked violence, an anti-Islam rally in Phoenix is to feature a similar contest.

The contest to draw a cartoon figure inspired by the Muslim prophet Mohammed is scheduled to take place outside an Islamic Community Center in north Phoenix.

"We're just out utilising our First Amendment," said the contest's organiser, Jon Ritzheimer.

Ritzheimer said he does not support Islam spreading so widely across the US, which is what prompted him to host the Freedom of Speech Rally.

He has previously organised several anti-Islam rallies, reported ABC News.

Ritzheimer has also said he takes no responsibility over any act of violence that might occur on the day and warns people to prepare for a "much-anticipated attack".

A message on the Facebook page for the event titled the 'Freedom of Speech Rally' read: "This will be a PEACEFUL protest in front of the Islamic Community Center in Phoenix AZ. This is in response to the recent attack in Texas where 2 armed terrorist, with ties to ISIS, attempted Jihad.

"This Islamic Community Center is a known place that the 2 terrorist frequented. People are also encouraged to utilize there second amendment right at this event just in case our first amendment comes under the much anticipated attack."

'Right to be a racist'

Meanwhile, the president of the Islamic Community Centre of Phoenix said: "Everybody has a right to be a bigot. Everybody has a right to be a racist. Everybody has a right to be an idiot.

"It will be the same as every Friday evening and we're going to tell our members what we've told them before: not to engage them.

"They're not looking for an intellectual conversation. They're looking to stir up controversy and we're not going to be a part of it."

Several Facebook users condemned the event, including Gregg Hoffmann who posted on the event's page saying: "You are retaliating towards an entire community because two people shot at Pamela Geller, one of the most uneducated racists in the country?

"Talk about racist. Good work. By the way, your ethno-nationalist romp is about to go national. Not good for you guys. Since this page is filled with some of the most graphic racist language I have read in years."

Some 319 guests have so far confirmed attendance on the event's Facebook page.