Muslim Advocacy Group Calls on Texas Leaders to Denounce Park Harassment Incident
The Austin, Texas, chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin) on Monday called on Governor Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to condemn the targeted harassment of a group of Austin Muslims at a local public park and stop fomenting anti-Muslim hate across the state.
CAIR-Austin also called on the Austin Police Department to review the incident (Reference # 2587406) and determine whether it violated any local criminal laws or Austin Parks and Recreation regulations.
On December 26 around 7:00 a.m., during a monthly potluck breakfast at Walnut Creek Park hosted by a local Austin Muslim group, two individuals arrived and began shouting anti-Muslim slurs and cursing at Muslim families as they gathered to eat and socialize. One of the individuals was dressed in a Crusader-era costume and used a megaphone to amplify the harassment. A community member called 911, and police officers responded but did not intervene, citing free speech protections and advising the Muslim families to conclude their gathering and leave the park.
The harassment may be connected to similar incidents in other states, some of which have resulted in criminal charges.
Last month, CAIR and its Florida chapter (CAIR-Florida) welcomed the University of South Florida Police Department’s decision to file felony hate-crime–enhanced charges against two men involved in Islamophobic harassment of Muslim students praying inside a USF parking garage.
In a statement, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan said:
“Texas Muslim families and non-profit organizations in Texas have recently faced increased targeted harassment and Islamophobic bigotry by state officials and hateful groups, and Austin is no exception. These attacks and smear campaigns against the Muslim community and the organizations that serve them should not concern the Muslim community alone. Divisive, hateful and threatening rhetoric undermines the safety and sense of belonging of all Texans.
“Local law enforcement authorities must take reports of religious harassment seriously and ensure that everyone can practice their faith and go about their daily lives without intimidation. This incident must be condemned by elected officials and reviewed for potential legal violations – just as it would be if the roles were reversed.”
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The incident occurred just days before the Austin Muslim community began its celebration of January 2026 as the city’s first Austin Muslim Heritage Month (AMHM). The month will include a series of city-sponsored events highlighting the contributions and talents of Austin’s Muslim community, aimed at fostering belonging and unity among Austinites.”
Muzzammil Ahmad, an Austinite Imam who attended the event and witnessed the incident, said: “When Muslim families show up for this monthly potluck with their children right after morning prayers, they do so in good faith, seeking joy, fresh air, and connection to one another and God’s nature. It was deeply troubling that those hateful individuals chose to intimidate and threaten us in a public place that is meant for children to play around safely.
“Muslims want what everyone else wants: to live, work, raise their children, and practice their religion freely and peacefully. Our faith teaches us the values of respect, and coexistence, and these are the values we bring with us into shared public places. We call on law enforcement to make sure these spaces remain safe and welcoming to everyone regardless of their faith.”
Source: Cair.com
