Latest news with #NuecesMosque
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
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
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Austin mosques targeted by vandalism, CAIR-Austin says
The Brief Three mosques in Austin were reportedly vandalized CAIR-Austin said the incidents happened late on May 22 The Austin Diyanet Center, Nueces and IABA mosques were targeted AUSTIN, Texas - CAIR-Austin is calling for more security after three mosques were targeted by vandalism. The backstory The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin) is calling on the Austin Police Department to increase security patrols around Nueces Mosque, Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association (IABA), and other Austin mosques. This comes after the Austin Diyanet Center, Nueces, and IABA mosques were targeted by vandalism. CAIR-Austin said on May 22, around 11:30 p.m., Nueces Mosque leadership found spray-painted symbols, including the Stars of David, on the mosque's main entrance and other surrounding areas. Video shared by CAIR-Austin showed a white man with a covered face spray-painting the porch doors, the Imam's office door, and the fence. IABA's billboards and gate were also targeted. The Austin Diyanet Center's billboard and entrance door were vandalized as well. CAIR-Austin said Nueces Mosque has reported four hate incidents since late October 2024. What they're saying In a statement, Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager said: "These two incidents, which reportedly took place at the same night, were apparently targeted attacks meant to instill fear and division. One of the mosques affected, Nueces Mosque, serves as a vital spiritual and cultural center for UT Austin university students. The impact of such hateful acts on young minds cannot be overstated. We call upon APD to urgently heighten security and surveillance around all Islamic Centers in Austin. We also urge members of the public who may recognize the perpetrator or have any relevant information to come forward immediately and contact authorities." The Austin Police Department also released a statement: "The Austin Police Department is aware of several incidents of vandalism at local Austin mosques. We are actively investigating these incidents and are closely monitoring these and other locations around the City. As we continue to investigate, APD has set up directed patrols at all mosque locations. We strongly encourage our community to come forward and report any suspicious activity. Please follow the method of "See Something, Say Something." Should you observe any suspicious activities or become aware of potential threats, it is imperative you report them by calling 9-1-1. We all belong in this community. APD remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive Austin community. Our ongoing efforts aim to ensure a community where every member feels safe, valued, and respected. The City of Austin's "We All Belong" campaign highlights our dedication to fostering a diverse culture where hatred is not tolerated. For more information on tools and resources to report hate crimes and related incidents, visit Big picture view CAIR says the Islamic Center of Southern California in Los Angeles was also vandalized earlier this month. The Source Information from CAIR-Austin and the Austin Police Department
