Freedom of speech met freedom of religion on a north-central Phoenix street.

Some yelled. Some carried signs. Some carried guns. Some carried flags. Some were angry, but some tried to soothe.

Several businesses in the area shut down in anticipation of trouble. In the end, it was a contentious but ultimately peaceful confrontation with several hundred people on each side, separated by a line of dozens of police officers and witnessed by dozens of journalists.

The number of counterprotesters closely matched those who came in response to a Facebook event that encouraged people to bring weapons and American flags to the Islamic Community Center of Phoenix during its Friday prayer time. The event also advertised a contest to "draw Mohammed,"