DEARBORN, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Muslims from across the country made their way to Dearborn on Saturday for the the 22nd annual Arbaeen procession.

Arbaeen is an Islamic holiday that remembers the death of a 7th century leader. The march marks the largest outdoor religious gathering of Shia Muslims in the U.S. According to the Islamic Center website, Shia Muslims believe “Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, was divinely appointed as his rightful successor.” It goes on to say that belief makes the distinction between Shia and Sunni Muslims.

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The event drew “tens of thousands” of Muslims to Dearborn, according to some reports, with others citing an upwards of 40,000 attenders. Michigan News Source contacted the Dearborn Police Department, along with several other outlets that reported the 40,000 number to get accurate numbers, but did not receive a response by press time.

Dearborn officials and residents have been outspoken supporters of the terrorist group Hamas along with supporting a “Free Palestine” and other anti-semitic stances.

According to 2020 U.S. Census Bureau data, Dearborn is home to 109,976 people. It became the first Arab-majority city in 2023 with more than half claiming Middle Eastern or North African ancestry. Earlier this year, the Wall Street Journal dubbed Dearborn “America’s Jihad Capital.’

Police reported one arrest at the march. A 27-year-old Garden City man allegedly made threats during the procession.