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 )

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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.

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Comments (45)


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  • hedujg26 wrote...
    You people are idiots
    September 15, 2010 5:22 pm
    Again, kneejerk idiots painting everyone of Islamic faith with the "extremist" brush, even tho there have been peace loving muslims in this country for over 40 years, and mosques in major cities AND the pentagon for decades. Do you let Pat Robertson represent you? I bet you don't, So why do you let extremists represent American Muslims? Religion of peace? Christians killed 10,000 muslims in the baltic states. Its pretty hypocrical to point fingers at them. BTW, this chick is stupid to start it in the first place, or gutless to not stand up to them. So much for her hipster common sense. Way to fold when right battles wrong.
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  • Had enough yet, Libs? wrote...
    hedujg26 wrote
    September 15, 2010 6:45 pm
    What gives you the right to call me an idot?

    I am expressing my US Constitution first amemdment right to free speech.

    Just like this Chick did!

    But she was recieving DEATH THREATS from the religion of peace.

    All this at the same time Muslims are burning my US Constitution and my American flag. Have I called for DEATH to all who do not beleive in my country or my God! NO. And I shall never do such a thing~

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  • Edmund Fitzgerald wrote...
    she should buy a tent...
    September 15, 2010 8:59 pm
    and "hide out" by pitching it on Ground Zero-who will hunt her there? real patriots or real murderers? now we have a news story for the clueless MSM--is it taking sanctuary on hallowed ground like a church or a more provocative hate-mongering act by trumping a desired mosque site? let the people decide...
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  • NIGHTTRAIN wrote...
    CHECK YOUR HISTORY
    September 15, 2010 9:07 pm
    I really wonder how many out there have any clue how the Muslim faith began. The prophet Mohammed was not a man of faith by any stretch of the imagination. He was a merchant who picked up bits and pieces of other faiths. He took the Old Testament and rewrote it claiming that Abraham's other son, Ishmael was the one who was going to be sacrificed on the mountain, not Isaac. So, they believe and preach that it was Ishmael through Abraham and his descendants who received the blessing of the promised land and not Isaac. Now remember this: Mohammed was born some 600 years AFTER the birth of Christ. What gave him the authority to rewrite scripture? In other words, the Muslims have been duped, plain and simple and they are willing to kill you and me in order to perpetuate this falsehood.
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  • rational wrote...
    NIGHTTRAIN
    September 15, 2010 9:15 pm
    Muhammad feared he was possessed by the Devil.
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  • Had enough yet, Libs? wrote...
    Please correct me if I am wrong
    September 15, 2010 9:32 pm
    is not Mohammed the "God" of War?

    I had hear that somewhere once.

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  • Joeh wrote...
    won
    September 15, 2010 11:09 pm
    Why in the heck is the FBI not going after the freaks that are in our country and want to contreol us by threats? What the blank is the matter with us?
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  • jkdonner wrote...
    joeh I totally agree
    September 16, 2010 4:46 am
    Hedujg26 - she didn't start anything it is a fricken cartoon, get over it. Why isn't the FBI going after this "muslim" that made the threats. It is illegal to do so. I get a kick out of these americans that think that these people who come here can do whatever they want. If you want to continue to defend them breaking our laws, being offended by our flag, basically our culture in general then you too should pack your bags and go back to their fricken messed up countries. No one is forcing you or any of them to be here. I have said it a million times on here. Like all of our ancestors that came before us, they came here and embraced our freedoms and liberties, they learned our language so on and so on. They didn't come here for a free ride or to force their beliefs or their countries culture down our throats, or to sue us because something american or patriotic offended them. We all need to grow a back bone. BOTTOM LINE HERE IS HE BROKE THE LAW WHEN HE SENT HER THE DEATH THREAT HE SHOULD BE IN JAIL.
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  • hpitantso wrote...
    Funny
    September 16, 2010 5:53 am
    Or wrong...was it important to get your message across, went into hiding at the suggestion of the FBI must be a grizzle mom..practice the first amendment then run and hide? I thought only trouble makers hide
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  • rational wrote...
    hpitantso
    September 16, 2010 7:35 am
    Funny...I thought only trouble makers hide

    Only a fool hiding behind the anonymity of the internet would laugh at someone justly in fear for their life.

    How about you video yourself drawing muhammad, urinate on it and a copy of the quran, post it on youtube and post your home address? Let's see how brave you are...and how long you'll live.

    It is an undeniable fact (regardless of the idiocy spounted by progressives), that there are plenty of muslims who would not only issue a fatwa for your death but would take steps to fulfill that directive.

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