norris.jpg
Image from Molly Norris' blog (MyNorthwest.com file)

Seattle cartoonist Molly Norris going into hiding

September 15, 2010 @ 7:27 am (Updated: 1:53 pm - 3/28/11 )

Related:
By JAMIE GRISWOLD
@jamiegriswold
MyNorthwest.com

Seattle Weekly reports Seattle cartoonist Molly Norris will be going into hiding at the suggestion of the FBI after threats on her life.

Norris was targeted for execution by a radical Islamic cleric in July.

The FBI warned Norris they considered the threat by Anwar al-Awlaki, who has ties to the failed Times Square bombing attempt, serious.

Norris gained international attention with a cartoon she drew in April in response to Comedy Central's cutting of a portion of a South Park episode following a death threat from a radical Muslim group.

The cartoon showed various objects: a teacup, a cherry, a spool of thread, all claiming to be the real likeness of Mohammed, and declared May 20th "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day."

Norris appeared on KIRO Radio's Dave Ross show to discuss her intentions in drawing the cartoon in April.

Listen to Molly Norris' April appearance on Dave Ross

The cartoon quickly sparked a heated controversy, and others took up the campaign as Norris tried to distance herself from the event, posting this message on her website after the cartoon went viral.

I make cartoons about current, cultural events. I made a cartoon of a 'poster' entitled "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!" with a nonexistent group's name - Citizens Against Citizens Against Humor - drawn on the cartoon also. I did not intend for my cartoon to go viral. I did not intend to be the focus of any 'group'. I practice the first amendment by drawing what I wish. This particular cartoon of a 'poster' seems to have struck a gigantic nerve, something I was totally unprepared for. I am going back to the drawing table now!

Norris appeared once more on the Dave Ross Show to talk about how the campaign had run out of control, saying she no longer wanted any part in it.

"I'm against my own concept becoming a reality," said cartoonist Molly Norris in a May appearance on The Dave Ross Show.

Listen: Molly Norris' May Dave Ross appearance

Seattle Weekly says Norris will be moving and changing her name.

Related:
More Local News
Top Stories

  • Behind the Wheel
    Police are patrolling for distracted drivers today

  • Tax Exempt Robocalls
    What the IRS kerfuffle could mean for the Tea Party and other political organizations

  • Chart Toppers
    Fresh voices & seasoned stars hit the red carpet of the Billboard Music Awards
MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (45)


  • Add A Comment

  • dcnilsen wrote...
    Oh yeah...
    September 15, 2010 8:14 am
    Religion of Peace, huh? Wake up you PC people out there!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Goody wrote...
    PD without A
    September 15, 2010 8:16 am
    PD with A
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Trap72 wrote...
    Tried
    September 15, 2010 8:36 am
    For awhile I tried to be supportive about Islam and I hope that it can still be. But this al-Awlaki idiot is a bit over the top on this. It is a blasted cartoon. A drawing. BReath and realize there is much mkore in life to fret over then a drawing.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • thobert wrote...
    and for what?
    September 15, 2010 8:49 am
    Sure it was cute and funny and if you were picking on Christians or the Jews it would have been quaint but you pissed off the religion of peace(which doesn't seem very hard to do) and for what? You've traded a juvenile 1st amendment rant for a death threat. Sad part is, she's not that good a cartoonist. What have we learned here? Free speech is not free.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • AreYouHighOrWhat wrote...
    Those Oh So Peaceful Muslims (LOL)
    September 15, 2010 8:57 am
    My deepest condolences to Molly, her family, and friends, the cult of Islam is dangerous and I'm sorry you had to learn this the hard way. Molly's revenge should be knowing another generation is waking up to the danger, thank you ;0)
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • hnuh wrote...
    Yep,
    September 15, 2010 9:01 am
    Lesser jihad, persuade them to or intimidate them into, or force them through violence into, or if they in the end just will not submit... kill them. What people refer to as radical islam is just the murderous wing of the creed. It is a necessary, highly valued part of the system as islam does not spread well for the attractiveness of the creed. If the unbeliever cannot be persuaded to submit, the unbeliever must be forced to submit. Unbelievers failing to submit may be killed without any spiritual repercussions.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • SeattleNative wrote...
    Historically, and to this very day, Islam...
    September 15, 2010 9:08 am
    ...is a religion that proselytizes through murder and intimidation.

    For all the bleeding hearts that think Islam is a religion of "peace", wake up.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Bjorn wrote...
    Islam
    September 15, 2010 9:23 am
    How can these people be peace loving, etc. if killing is part of the deal in the beleif sequence.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • hpygolkyone wrote...
    ATTENTION CARTOONISTS:..............
    September 15, 2010 9:36 am
    .....I'm sure you've all heard the saying: "Well.....it seemed like a really good idea at the time"?...........
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Concerned wrote...
    WHAT DO YOU THINK NOW CHUCK GOULD ???
    September 15, 2010 9:37 am
    This is really too bad for this women. People need to hear about this especially in New York BEFORE they build their SO CALLED peaceful mosque. Obama said it is not Islam and people should not fear them, but I think he is dead wrong!!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }