The Austin, Texas, chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Austin) today welcomed a decision by city and police officials to review an incident of religious harassment targeting members of the Muslim community at a park potluck and change the policy of how this type of incidents are handled in the future.
SEE: Austin Muslim group urges state leaders to denounce park harassment – Austin American-Statesman
Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax said that while the incident may involve free speech protected under the First Amendment:
“However, after reviewing the video, Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis is making immediate changes in how these types of incidents are handled, including that in the event of an apparent hate speech occurrence, officers will call a supervisor on scene. In many instances, while hate speech is not illegal, individuals may be cited for other violations, such as causing a disturbance.
“The City of Austin will also be reviewing policy to ensure the provision of safe spaces on City properties and at City facilities for community members to gather free of harassment or intimidation.”
READ: City of Austin Full Response
SEE: APD changes hate speech incident response, after group of Muslims harassed in park – KXAN
In a statement, CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan said:
“We welcome and applaud the City of Austin’s review of this incident, its recognition that the rhetoric used by this extremist was abhorrent, and its decision to ensure that law enforcement responds to harassment like this by bringing a supervisor to the scene. This new policy will benefit not only the Muslim community but all vulnerable communities facing similar harassment based on their identity.”
Yesterday, CAIR-Austin called on Governor Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) to condemn the harassment and stop fomenting anti-Muslim hate across the state and called on APD to review the incident for potential law violation.
In a statement, Council Member and Civil Rights Attorney Mike Siegel, representing D7 where the incident happened, said:
“I’m alarmed by the hateful incident that occurred Saturday morning in Walnut Creek Park, when two individuals chose to target Muslim community members with hate speech. I commend those who stood up against this religiously‑motivated harassment and reported it to APD and the City. I also appreciate the City’s swift response and Chief Davis’s commitment to use this moment to strengthen our approach to such incidents. We all deserve to enjoy our parks and public spaces free from harassment and discrimination.”
WATCH VIDEO OF THE INCIDENT
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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.”
Earlier this year, CAIR released its 2025 Civil Rights Report, Unconstitutional Crackdowns, which reveals that Islamophobia remains at record-high levels nationwide.
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, szayan@cair.com; CAIR-DFW Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll, (832) 549-1042, mcarroll@cair.com; CAIR-Texas Austin Chapter Civic Engagement Organizer Sameeha Rizvi, 512-893-1371, srizvi@cair.com; Imran Ghani, Executive Director, CAIR-Houston, ighani@cair.com, 713-922-5270; John T. Floyd, CAIR National Board Member, CAIR-Texas Houston, 713-254-2016, jfloyd@cair.com; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com