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| Thousands of motorcycles are flooding into Washington D.C. on the twelfth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. (credit: Prince George's Police Department) |
◼ Thousands of bikers from around the country roared into the D.C. area on Wednesday in a show of support for Sept. 11 victims and in solidarity against a controversial Muslim rally on the Mall. - Meredith Somers/Washington Times
The 2 Million Bikers to DC ride might have fallen short of 2 million strong, but the numbers were impressive. A line of shining chrome and steel bikes stretched about a third of a mile from the starting point at the Harley Davidson of Washington store just outside the District in Prince George’s County....
The ride was complicated by the fact that federal and local authorities denied a permit that would have offered the riders a police escort through traffic — a sore spot with organizers who thought the denial was for political purposes.
“We’re here for 9-11,” said national ride coordinator Belinda Bee. “We are going to have a peaceful ride. … But there are people who are sick and tired of their rights and liberties being taken away.”
The National Park Service has denied any political motivation for refusing the permit, which ride organizers sought last month. The Park Service earlier this year granted a permit to a Muslim group planning a rally Wednesday to call attention to social justice issues.
The American Muslim Political Action Committee has scheduled a rally to draw attention to what they call unfair fear of Muslims after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Ms. Bee said the ride was originally set up to counter the rally and show respect for the victims of that day.
◼ 'Million Muslim March' 2013 and '2 Million Bikers' [VIDEO]: Washington D.C. rally expected on anniversary of September 11 attacks - Christian Today
◼ VIDEO AND PHOTOS: 2 Million Bikers to DC - The Right Scoop
◼ 2 Million Bikers to DC reportedly given a hand by DC police after Park Service snub - Twitchy
#2MBikers stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, brings a tear to the eye. #September11 #NeverForget pic.twitter.com/NIsNl9vB7M
— Sandra Schneider (@sandyaschneider) September 11, 2013
