AhlulBayt News Agency: Local authorities in Austin, Texas, have strongly condemned recent acts of vandalism targeting three mosques, labeling them as hate crimes and pledging to hold the perpetrators accountable.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis directly addressed those responsible, stating, “Be aware. You are going to be caught, and this will not be tolerated.”
The attacks are under thorough investigation and will not be ignored, Davis assured, as reported by CBS Austin on Wednesday.
One of the incidents took place last week at 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.
Former UT Austin student Salma Bora, who frequently visited the mosque during her undergraduate years, shared her reaction to the vandalism.
She expressed feeling both "disheartened" and "a little bit scared," emphasizing that such acts reflect a broader 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 stated that the cases appear to be connected and reassured the public that law enforcement is increasing 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 said.
Travis County District Attorney José Garza also spoke to the media, vowing 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 declared.
Bora expressed cautious optimism regarding the authorities’ response. While she previously felt that police did not adequately address such incidents, she now sees a shift. “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 present 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 stated.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the vandalism to contact the Austin Police Department’s tip line at 512-472-TIPS (8477).
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