DEARBORN (WWJ) -- It's quiet in Dearborn Wednesday morning, after a tense and at times chaotic day Thursday, as opposing protests clashed in the city.
The first rallies began on Michigan Avenue by groups supportive of Dearborn and Muslims. Across from them, were anti-Islam protestors led by Jake Lang, a right-wing protester who was charged with assaulting a police officer during in the January 6th U.S. Capitol riots, and then pardoned by President Donald Trump.
Lang spoke out against "Sharia law," what he called "the Islamification of America," and attempted to burn a Quran.
There was a lot of shouting some some shoving, but no injuries were reported.
Another gathering was led by Anthony Hudson, a Republican candidate for governor. In a video posted to social media, said he was "taking a stand against Dearborn and its attempt at Muslim dominance."
After Hudson changed his tune and agreed to meet with Dearborn residents to learn what he may have wrong about the city, MLive reported Lang spray-painted the word “cuck” on Hudson’s campaign bus, accusing him of “selling out” for visiting mosques and calling for unity.
Hudson said he'd wanted a "peaceful walk" calling Lang a "loudmouth, obnoxious troublemaker" who was not invited to take part.
At Tuesday night's city council meeting, Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud spoke out about the protests.
"While children were singing on the way to school, dozens of protesters were marching through our streets, shouting about Muslims in America," Hammoud said. "Some of them were misled; others came with hate in their hearts. One man wrapped a Quran in bacon, and screamed at residents. And as I tuned in live, I heard him calling others monkeys, and saying that they are incompatible with America."
Hammoud commended those Dearborn residents who kept their interactions peaceful.
"We were reminded of something fundamental: courage is not loud, patriotism is not cruel, and strength is not hateful," he said. "The marchers tried to divide, but Dearborn did what Dearborn always does: We stood tall.
"We are a city built by workers, by immigrants, by veterans, and by families who believe in the promise of America. A city where my daughters can sing their ABCs, or Al-ḥurūf al-abjadiyah (الحروف الأَبْجَديّة)."
The Dearborn Police Department said it was monitoring the protests and strongly urged residents not to engage with demonstrators.
Police said they was made aware of some "minor incidents" earlier in the day, but did not believe there was a threat to the public.
MLive reported on person was arrested at Dearborn City Hall.