Vandalism Targets Central Texas Muslim Religious Event

AUSTIN, TX — The Austin chapter of a Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization called for an investigation into the vandalism of one of their signs at a recent Bastrop event that was defaced with obscenities.

The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, is asking police to investigate the act of vandalism that targeted a sign for "Muslim Space," an Austin-based Islamic institution.

The sign meant to direct attendees to a Ramadan fast-breaking meal (iftar) location was defaced with Islamophobic language and obscenities, CAIR officials said. The vandalized sign was discovered outside the Muslim Space community iftar at the Colony Amenity Center within a gated community in Bastrop, Texas.

“It is truly unfortunate that while inside, Muslim Space created an inclusive opportunity for a community to come together in solidarity, and outside, at least one person chose to act out of hate,” CAIR-Austin Executive Director, Maira Sheikh said in a prepared statement. “It is disturbing to consider that Islamophobes have become so emboldened as to vandalize a sign outside an event because they see the word ‘Muslim.’ We urge law enforcement to treat this as a possible hate crime and to step up efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Added Muslim Space Executive Director Shadia Igram: "This act of hate was an expression of misguided information and ignorance. What was done cannot be taken back, but I pray the vandal(s) comes forward and take ownership of their actions. Muslim Space strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment for all in our community and we extend an invitation to anyone who wishes to learn more about Islam or the work we do. Muslims have the right to peacefully live their lives in the open, free of threats and we truly appreciate the overwhelming support of our countless friends and allies."

Related stories:

North Austin Mosque Vandalized

Would-Be North Austin Muslim Center Arsonist Sought

Police Seek Public's Help Finding Austin Mosque Vandal

The act of vandalism comes a month after an arson attempt and several acts of vandalism targeted a North Austin mosque and Muslim-owned businesses. The incident also comes eight months after the North Austin mosque at 11900 N. Lamar Blvd. was vandalized twice in as many weeks.

CAIR officials provided an image of the defaced sign, with the worst expletives covered up for publication purposes. The vandal who wrote the expletives took advantage of a time when community members were engaged in their evening meal breaking their daily Ramadan fast at sunset.

Given the spate of incident targeting Muslims and their institutions, CAIR is urging mosques and other Islamic organizations to take measures outlined in its "Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety" booklet. Advice offered in CAIR’s security publication is applicable to all institutions, officials said, regardless of organizational mission. The booklet can be viewed at: https://tinyurl.com/BestSafetyPractices.

ABOUT CAIR

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.