Andrew Hallinan is the 28-year-old owner of the Florida gun store which has received national attention after having been declared a “Muslim Free Zone” and now, in a surprising turn of events, Hallinan has said that he has agreed to study the Koran with a Muslim leader.
Not only has Hallinan stated his intent to study the Koran with the executive director of the Florida chapter of the Council on Islamic-American Relations, Hassan Shibly, he’s also agreed to host the Muslim civil rights leader in a gun glass to be held on Saturday. Shibly has reportedly confirmed the gun store owner’s claims, according to Reuters.
Hallinan was quoted by Reuters in a report published on the Grand Forks Herald as having said that he doesn’t believe that his opinion “is going to be swayed on the matter,” but all the same, Shibly is someone he would “consider a friend” at this point in time.
At the end of the day, I don’t believe my opinion is going to be swayed on the matter (…) But he’s a really wonderful guy who I would consider a friend at this point, and I think he would say the same about me.
The Council on Islamic-American Relations called on the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate whether the gun store owner’s action comes in violation of civil rights laws.
Shibly has stated that his presence at the store will demonstrate to Muslim youths that no place is off-limits to them as a result of their religious beliefs.
Hallinan, who declared his gun supply shop a Muslim-free zone in a video uploaded to Facebook, has made the claim that his declaration of a “Muslim Free Zone” came as a result of the deadly shootings across Tennessee military sites which were perpetrated by a gunman who authorities suspect to be Mohammod Youssuf Abdulazeez, a 24-year-old Muslim man, CBS News reported.
In his video, Andrew comments on the Chattanooga shooting and slams Islam as well as U.S. leadership while standing in front of a confederate flag. He states, “Our leaders are telling you that Islam is a peaceful religion, full of tolerance and love and hope. Don’t believe their lies.”
I have a moral and legal responsibly to ensure the safety of all patriots in my community. So effective immediately I am declaring Florida Gun Supply as a Muslim-free zone. I will not arm and train those who wish to do harm to my fellow patriots.
What are your thoughts on Andrew Hallinan’s decision to declare his gun store a Muslim-free zone?
