The Austin Police Department (APD) is actively investigating a series of vandalism incidents that occurred at several mosques in the Austin area this week.
Three separate incidents were reported on the evening of May 22, with leaders from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) confirming the targeted nature of these attacks.
Among the affected locations was the Nueces Mosque in Central Austin, where spray-painted symbols, including Stars of David, appeared on the mosque’s main entrance and surrounding property.
Security footage released by CAIR shows an unidentified man, with his face concealed, vandalizing the mosque’s porch doors and Imam’s office door, along with the perimeter fence.
In a similar fashion, the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association mosque in northwest Austin experienced vandalism on its billboards and gate during the same timeframe.
Another mosque, the Austin Diyanet Center, was also not spared from this wave of vandalism, with its billboard and entrance door defaced.
CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan expressed deep concerns about the implications of these incidents, describing them as targeted attacks intended to incite fear and division within the community.
Zayan specifically highlighted the significance of the Nueces Mosque, which has long served as a spiritual and cultural center for Muslim students at the University of Texas at Austin.
She urged the APD to heighten security and surveillance around all Islamic Centers in Austin in light of these distressing events.
“The impact of such hateful acts on young minds cannot be overstated,” Zayan emphasized, calling for community members who might recognize the perpetrator to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.
In response to these incidents, APD has implemented directed patrols at all mosque locations as part of their investigation efforts.
In a statement, APD reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring a secure and inclusive environment for all residents of Austin, declaring, “We all belong in this community.”
Nueces Mosque itself has reported experiencing four incidents of hate since October.
Rawand Abdelghani, a board member of the Nueces Mosque, spoke about the mosque’s commitment to fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
Established in 1977, the mosque not only serves UT Austin students but also hosts various interfaith and community events.
Abdelghani expressed grave concern over these recent vandalism incidents, particularly given the context of rising Islamophobia and anti-immigrant sentiments.
As public support emerges, Shalom Austin extended its hand to local Islamic leaders, offering solidarity and assistance following the vandalism events.
The Shalom Austin organization, along with its security team, has reached out to local law enforcement to provide support in the investigation.
“Islamophobic hate does not reflect our Austin values, and we feel a deep obligation to speak up and pursue justice for all of our neighbors,” Shalom Austin stated.
They condemned the acts of vandalism vehemently, standing in solidarity with Austin’s Islamic community, and underscored the importance of community support for targeted groups.
To report hate crimes or related incidents, the public is encouraged to visit austintexas.gov/againsthate.
image source from：https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/cair-austin-mosque-vandalism/269-081448ca-c534-41c0-b0fd-f151c7176dd9
