Anti-Muslim protestors cross the street as counter protestors look on in the background outside a mosque in Richardson, Texas, Dec. 12, 2015.

About 20 people, half of them armed with rifles, have rallied outside a suburban Dallas mosque against Islamist violence and Syrian refugee resettlement.

The demonstration Saturday organized by the Bureau of American-Islamic Relations drew a counter-demonstration by about 50 people. An Associated Press photographer reported that while there were frequent discussions between both sides, they were peaceful and intervention by police officers wasn’t needed.

The protesting group included members of the “Three Percenters” who consider themselves patriots protecting the homeland from Muslims.

Elsewhere, hundreds participated in a “United Against Racism and Hate” rally at a park in Dallas. The demonstrators marched to protest anti-Islamic activities and rhetoric.

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