Austin Officials Condemn Mosque Vandalism as Hate Crime Investigation Continues
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis addressed the perpetrators directly, stating, “Be aware. You are going to be caught and this will not be tolerated.”
The attacks are being thoroughly investigated and will not be ignored, Davis said, CBS Austin reported on Wednesday.
One of the incidents occurred last week at the Nueces Mosque on Nueces Street near the University of Texas at Austin. Security footage captured a masked individual spray-painting Stars of David on the building's exterior.
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Former UT Austin student Salma Bora, who frequently visited the mosque during her undergraduate years, described her reaction to the vandalism.
She said she felt both "disheartened" and "a little bit scared," noting that such acts are part of a larger pattern of hostility toward the Muslim community in Austin. “This is supposed to be a safe space for students to come and worship.”
Chief Davis said the cases appear to be related and assured the public that law enforcement is stepping up its presence. “Directed patrols will be at every mosque in the city. Not only will you see marked police cruisers, but there will be undercover officers out, as well,” she noted.
Travis County District Attorney José Garza also addressed the media, pledging to prosecute the incidents under hate crime laws. “If you target someone because of their race, religion … you will be found, you will be arrested, and you will be held accountable,” he said.
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Bora expressed cautious optimism in light of the authorities’ response. While she previously felt that police did not adequately address such incidents, she said she now sees a change. “I think they definitely have stepped up their game, and I appreciate it,” she said.
A community cleanup event is scheduled for Thursday at Nueces Mosque to remove the graffiti. Organizers aim to show a united front against religious intolerance.
Austin City Council Member Vanessa Fuentes also voiced strong support for the Muslim community. “If you think you can intimidate Muslim families in our city, you are wrong. If you think these cowardly middle-of-the-night attacks will make Austin less welcoming, well, you do not know us very well,” she said.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the vandalism to contact the Austin Police Department’s tip line at 512-472-TIPS (8477).
Source: Agencies
