Texas Police Boost Patrols After String of Mosque Vandalism Attacks
Austin officers vow “unwavering commitment” to safety as Muslim community reels from targeted graffiti incidents
Police in Austin have stepped up patrols around Islamic centers after a series of coordinated vandalism attacks on local mosques, promising a firm response as Muslim leaders warn of rising hostility across the state.
The Austin Police Department confirmed it is actively investigating multiple incidents in which masked vandals defaced mosques with spray‑painted symbols and messages.
Security footage from the Nueces Mosque captured a suspect marking the building in the early hours of the morning, prompting renewed calls for protection from Muslim civil rights groups.
In a public statement, APD said it had increased visibility around all affected sites and stressed its commitment to safeguarding the city’s diverse communities.
“We all belong in this community,” a department spokesperson said. “APD remains unwavering in its commitment to fostering a secure and inclusive Austin.”
The vandalism — part of a broader pattern of harassment reported by Muslim organizations since late 2023 — has left congregants shaken. Authorities have been urged to treat the incidents as hate‑motivated and to maintain heightened patrols as Ramadan approaches.
While no arrests have been made, police say investigators are reviewing surveillance footage and gathering additional evidence. Community leaders, meanwhile, are calling for solidarity and a clear rejection of rhetoric that paints Muslims as outsiders or threats.