Pro-Zionist Vandal Targets Austin Mosques in Hate-Fueled Attack
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Three mosques in Austin, Texas, were vandalized overnight Wednesday in what Muslim advocacy groups are calling targeted hate crimes, featuring pro-Zionist graffiti and symbols linked to a pro-Israel agenda.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the vandalism at Nueces Mosque, the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association (IABA), and the Austin Diyanet Center, describing it as part of a “disturbing pattern” of anti-Muslim attacks.
Graffiti including Stars of David and other pro-Zionist markings was spray-painted across the properties.
Security footage from Nueces Mosque captured a masked white male defacing multiple areas, including the entrance, the Imam’s office, and a nearby fence.
Similar graffiti appeared later at IABA’s gate and billboards, as well as at the entrance of the Diyanet Center.
CAIR-Austin said the markings suggested the perpetrator was a pro-Israeli vandal attempting to intimidate the Muslim community.
“These three incidents, which reportedly took place on the same night, were apparently targeted attacks meant to instill fear and division,” said CAIR-Austin Operations Manager Shaimaa Zayan.
“We call upon APD to urgently heighten security and surveillance around all Islamic Centers in Austin.”
The Austin Police Department said it is actively investigating the incidents and has increased patrols at all affected mosque locations.
“APD remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive Austin community,” said Public Information Manager Lisa Cortinas.
Nueces Mosque board member Rawand Abdelghani emphasized the mosque’s longstanding support for Muslim students at the University of Texas at Austin and its history of interfaith engagement.
“We are deeply concerned about these recent incidents given the rise in Islamophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, and opposition to students’ free speech,” he said.
CAIR urged mosque leaders to follow its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” guidelines and encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
