Louis Farrakhan visits Benton Harbor

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. --Dozens of people came from all over—to hear Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan speak in Benton Harbor Friday night.

People lined up outside the doors of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church waiting to get inside as security personnel searched everyone. The small church was pack full of people. Once inside, many were forced to stand because every seat was taken.

Theresa X was one of the many who traveled all the way from Grand Rapids just to support the man she calls her leader.

"We have been here with him several times. he really gets involved in the community here in Benton Harbor," said X.

However, not everyone was marveled by Farrakhan, a man who has been known to make controversial statements.

Some people decided not to go inside because they said they did not support him or the Nation of Islam, but others, like Marvin Zinn, were intrigued.

"I was curious why a person from Islam would ever go into a Baptist church. I didn’t think they would allow him in. So I thought, 'well let’s at least hear what he has to say'," said Zinn. 

Farrakhan has visited the area several times and supporters say they appreciate how well he supports local communities like Benton Harbor.