DOJ Launches Investigation into Texas Mosque over Proposed Muslim Community

Gov. Abbott confirms ‘no construction taking place’

By: CP Staff – The Christian Post; christianpost.com

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into a proposed Muslim community development in North Texas, citing concerns over potential violations of federal law. 

The investigation targets EPIC City, a 402-acre project backed by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) in Josephine, Texas, about 40 miles northeast of Dallas. The planned development — which includes over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, clinics, retail shops, a community college and sports facilities — has sparked controversy among Texas Republican leaders.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton and conservative activists have claimed that the project aims to create a Muslim-only community governed by Islamic law, allegations which both EPIC officials and Islamic leaders have denounced.

“I am grateful to Attorney General Bondi and the Department of Justice for hearing my concerns and opening an investigation into the proposed EPIC City development,” Cornyn announced Friday. “Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no place in the Lone Star State.”

In response to the investigation, Dan Cogdell, the attorney for EPIC, said the mosque would “cooperate fully with any and all investigations — regardless of how misguided and unnecessary they are.”

Within hours of the DOJ investigation being announced, Gov. Abbott confirmed Sunday evening that “no construction” is taking place on the proposed site in Josephine.

“Texas has halted any construction of EPIC City. There is no construction taking place. The state of Texas has launched about a half dozen investigations into this project.  That includes criminal investigations,” Abbott wrote on X. “And, the US Department of justice is also investigating. This matter, and similar matters, are taken very seriously, and actions are being taken to address all concerns.”

cont’d…

https://www.christianpost.com/news/doj-launches-investigation-into-proposed-muslim-community.html