Austin mosques targeted in vandalism, prompting calls for heightened security
Three Austin mosques were reportedly vandalized late Wednesday night in what the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called a series of targeted hate incidents. The spray-painted graffiti, including Stars of David, appeared at Nueces Mosque, Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association (IABA), and the Austin Diyanet Center.
Security footage from Nueces Mosque shows a masked white male tagging multiple areas, including the entrance, the Imam's office, and a nearby fence. Similar graffiti was later found at IABA's gate and billboards and at the Diyanet Center's entrance. CAIR-Austin noted these acts fit a 'disturbing pattern' of incidents against Muslim houses of worship in the city. Nueces Mosque has reported four hate-related incidents since October.
'These three incidents, which reportedly took place on the same night, were apparently targeted attacks meant to instill fear and division,' said CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan. 'We call upon APD to urgently heighten security and surveillance around all Islamic Centers in Austin.'
In response, the Austin Police Department said it is actively investigating the incidents and has increased patrols at all mosque locations.
'APD remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive Austin community,' said Public Information Manager Lisa Cortinas.
Nueces Mosque board member Rawand Abdelghani said the mosque has long served the Muslim student population at the University of Texas at Austin and regularly hosts interfaith events.
'We are deeply concerned about these recent incidents given the rise in Islamophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, and opposition to students' free speech,' he said.
CAIR has urged mosque leaders to follow its 'Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety' guide and encouraged anyone with information to contact authorities.
(This story was updated to add a video.)
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin mosques vandalized, police investigating, increasing patrols
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