American Muslims Rally Raps Demonization of Islam

Demonstrators were carrying signs saying "Today I am a Muslim, too" as they listed to a speech by Feisal Abdul Rauf, a Muslim cleric, who has been one of the staunch supporters of plans to build a mosque near Ground Zero in New York City.

Another group held a rally in support of King's hearing, which is scheduled for Thursday, March 10 in Washington.

King, who is also the chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, has defended the controversial hearing, saying the move is not aimed at tarnishing the image of the Muslim community and would mainly focus on what he has referred to as "radical Islam." 

There are currently between 6 and 8 million Muslims in the country.