Everyone remembers the tragic event in Paris when French cartoonists were shot and killed in January by radical extremists for creating a satirical caricature of the Jewish, Islamic, and Christian religious figure Muhammad on the cover of Charlie Hebdo. It was a shocking attack on the freedom of the press that brought many countries in the world together in emotional support of France.

In an enraged reaction to this and other related events, a free speech group in Garland, Texas, held a “Draw Muhammad Contest” on May 3rd. In the United States, a group like this should be able to hold a drawing contest even if it is seeking some attention. Unfortunately, this one was obviously provocative, and it didn’t receive attention for the right reasons.

Just as the event was finishing up, two men drove by the event’s building and opened fire (NBC News). The event was heavily­policed, and two of the officers were killed while other officers were able to kill the attackers. There were over 200 participants, all of whom were evacuated from the area once they were sure there was no bomb threat.

Many people feel conflicted about the decision to hold such a contest. Of course, no one should ever be killed for simply drawing. But the reason this event was heavily­policed is because they knew their actions might attract infuriated extremists. Knowing the danger of the situation, it was evidently a bad idea to hold the contest. There has been violence over this very subject so recently that the coordinators should have worried that they were putting others in danger by creating the event.

It is important that people continue to fight for free speech and continue to search for an understanding between extremists and those who want to satirize a delicate issue. Even for those whose religion asserts that illustrating religious figures is wrong, nearly everyone in the world doesn’t really care if others depict Muhammad. However, the tiny fraction of individuals that do care are making the loudest noise. An understanding of free speech will be reached eventually, but most likely with positive events that promote community, rather than hatred.