The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on the Austin Police Department (APD) to increase security patrols and protective measures around Nueces Mosque, Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association (IABA), Austin Diyanet Center, and other Austin mosques after the three mosques were reportedly targeted last night by vandalism.
Around 11:30 p.m. on May 22, Nueces Mosque leadership discovered spray-painted symbols, including Stars of David, defacing the mosque’s main entrance and surrounding property (Police Report # 25-1430342).
The mosque’s security video shows a white male covering his face spray-painting the porch doors, the Imam’s office door and the surrounding fence. A similar act of vandalism targeted IABA’s billboards and gate around the same time and targeted Austin Diyanet Center billboard and entrance door. These are the latest in a disturbing pattern of hate-motivated incidents targeting Austin mosques in recent months. Nueces Mosque alone reported four hate incidents since late October last year.
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In a statement, Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager said:
“These three 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.”
She recommended that community leaders use CAIR’s booklet, “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety,” offering advice on keeping religious facilities of all faiths safe.
“Nueces Mosque, known for its welcoming atmosphere, has been operating since 1977 in the Austin community. In addition to serving UT Austin Muslim students, we host events for the wider community including interfaith and community dinners. We are deeply concerned about these recent incidents given the rise in Islamophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, and opposition to students’ free speech,” said Rawand Abdelghani, Nueces Mosque Board Member.
Earlier this month, CAIR’s Greater Los Angeles Area office (CAIR-LA) condemned vandalism targeting the Islamic Center of Southern California (ICSC) in Los Angeles.
Last month, CAIR’s Arizona chapter welcomed the arrest of a suspect who allegedly threatened to kill worshipers at an Avondale, Arizona, mosque.
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report “Unconstitutional Crackdowns,” which reveals that Islamophobia continues to be at an all-time high across the country. CAIR said viewpoint discrimination against those speaking out against genocide and apartheid was a key factor in many cases.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR Austin Operations Manager, 512-785-7105, shaimaa.zayan@cairtx.org; Nueces Mosque Leadership, board@nuecesmosque.com