Far-right protesters rallied against Islam in several cities across the United States on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, according to Al Jazeera — the demonstrations took place on September 11, 2026, as activists and political groups expressed their grievances over Islam’s influence in public life.

Protesters Voice Concerns About Religious Influence

Participants in the rallies, organized by various far-right groups, waved banners and carried signs that read ‘No to Islamic Extremism’ and ‘Stop the Cultural Invasion.’ Some protesters were seen wearing white hoods and black uniforms, while others held placards calling for a ban on mosques and Islamic religious practices in public spaces.

One organizer, speaking under the condition of anonymity, said the protests were a response to what they described as ‘the growing presence of Islam in American society.’ According to the organizer, the demonstrations were not about promoting hatred but about defending Western values.

The protests were held in major cities such as Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Los Angeles, with estimates of the number of participants ranging from 200 to 500 in each location. In some cases, local law enforcement had to step in to manage crowds and prevent clashes with counter-protesters who opposed the far-right groups.

Counter-Protesters and Public Reactions

Counter-protesters, including members of Muslim organizations and civil liberties groups, were also present at the rallies. They held signs reading ‘No Hate in Our Streets’ and ‘Unity Over Division.’ Some counter-protesters said the far-right groups were misusing the anniversary of 9/11 to spread fear and intolerance.

One counter-protester, Amina Khan, told Al Jazeera that the rallies were an attempt to stoke fear and marginalize Muslim communities. ‘This is not about remembering 9/11,’ she said. ‘It’s about using that date to push a divisive agenda.’

Local media reports indicate that the protests were largely peaceful, but tensions occasionally flared, particularly in Washington, D.C., where a minor scuffle broke out between groups. No serious injuries were reported, and authorities said they were monitoring the situation closely.

Broader Political and Social Context

These demonstrations come amid a broader rise in far-right activism in the U.S., with several groups gaining attention for their anti-immigrant and anti-Islamic rhetoric, though In recent months, similar rallies have been held in response to proposed mosque expansions and Islamic cultural events.

According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the number of far-right groups in the U.S. has increased by 55 percent since 2020 — Experts have linked this trend to growing political polarization and the spread of extremist ideologies on social media platforms.

Political leaders from both major parties have weighed in on the issue. Senator John McCain, a Republican, said in a recent statement that ‘we must not allow fear to divide us.’ Meanwhile, Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat, criticized the rallies as ‘a dangerous attempt to incite fear against a religious community.’

As the nation marks 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, the events of September 11, 2026, highlight the ongoing debates over religious tolerance, national identity, and the role of extremist ideologies in shaping public discourse.