Protest in Dearborn Leads to Allegations of Assault and Police Inaction

A conservative journalist has spoken out after claiming she was stalked and assaulted while reporting on a protest in Dearborn, Michigan. She described the area as a “total lawless zone” and accused local police of neglecting to intervene or take her report seriously.

Dearborn, noted for having the largest Muslim demographic in the U.S., has been a focal point for activists who argue that the city operates under “Sharia law.” Tensions flared during an anti-Muslim protest on Michigan Avenue, which erupted into chaos, causing clashes between demonstrators and counter-protesters. These confrontations alleged to involve assaults and police inaction were later brought up at a City Council meeting.

Cam Higbee, a participant at the protest, shared that City Council members reported being pepper-sprayed and robbed while attempting to document the events. Higbee recounted her experience, stating, “I approached an officer to report the incident, and he told me there was nothing he could do unless I went to the station. I expressed my concern that the suspect would be long gone by then. He seemed nonchalant, staying at his post and eventually stepped away for a personal call.”

Higbee alleged that during a confrontation with a counter-protester, she was physically pushed and then pepper-sprayed. She recalled questioning the aggressor about why he felt he could intimidate others on public sidewalks.

Unfortunately, her experience didn’t end there. “They took my phone, recorded me while I was vulnerable, and tossed it across the street,” she said, adding she lost about $50 and some equipment in the process.

Police officers present reportedly witnessed several assaults but did not act, leading Higbee to describe the scene as “complete lawlessness.” She ultimately chose to leave without filing a report because she felt unsafe, expressing frustration that the police seemed indifferent to their duty. “I just got out of Dearborn as fast as I could,” she stated.

A spokesperson for the Dearborn Police Department asserted that officers acted swiftly to control the situation and confirmed the arrest of three individuals for disorderly conduct. Police Chief Issa Shahin praised the officers’ handling of the protest, believing it demonstrated the department’s commitment to community safety and respect.

Higbee also noted unsettling incidents prior to the protest, including being followed by vehicles and even a drone while filming near a mosque. “It felt very creepy, eerie, and unsettling,” she remarked.

During the recent City Council meeting, opinions on the protest varied significantly. Isaac Thomas, who identified as part of the anti-Muslim group, claimed their peaceful demonstration faced violent backlash and warned about potential legal action over the alleged assaults. Meanwhile, counter-protesters from the group By Any Means Necessary criticized the police for their failure to adequately respond to the anti-Muslim demonstrators.

Another activist, Leanna Mulholland, commended the counter-protesters for driving away those she labeled as hate-fueled activists. She recounted that the counter-protesters effectively diminished the anti-Muslim presence and suggested that their actions set a positive example.

Dearborn’s Mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, acknowledged the tension during the protest but emphasized the community’s overall commitment to peace, stating, “Some of them came with hatred… Yet Dearborn showed us who we really are.” He applauded residents who remained calm throughout the chaos.

Interestingly, the unrest seems to have ignited when a protester attempted to burn a Quran, which escalated the situation rapidly. This was reportedly initiated by Jake Lang, known for his involvement in the January 6 Capitol riot, who was soon confronted by opposing demonstrators.