At a Glance
- Muslim families at a potluck in Walnut Creek Park were harassed by two men shouting anti-Muslim slurs.
- One harasser wore a Crusader-era costume and used a megaphone to amplify the harassment.
- Police did not intervene, advising families to leave the park after a 911 call.
- Why it matters: The incident highlights hate-speech challenges and police response in Austin.
On December 26, 2023, a group of Muslim families at a community breakfast in Walnut Creek Park was harassed by two men who shouted anti-Muslim slurs and used a megaphone, according to CAIR-Austin. The incident drew condemnation from city officials and raised questions about police handling of hate speech.
Incident Details
CAIR-Austin released a statement describing how the two men arrived, shouted slurs, and one wore a Crusader-era costume while amplifying the harassment with a megaphone. A community member called 911, but police officers arrived and did not intervene, citing free-speech protections and told families to end the gathering and leave the park.
Video footage captured:
> “God wants to save all of you, but you’re all evil, and you’re all going to Hell…God bless your dirty, wicked hearts…God is going to throw every last Muslim into Hell. The Bible says that at the end of the age, Jesus Christ is going to gather forth all those who offend from the east to the west, and cast them alive into Hell.”
City Response
T.C. Broadnax condemned the incident, saying it was unacceptable and undermined community values.
> “Acts of hate and intolerance are unacceptable and stand in direct opposition to our values and commitment to protecting the dignity, rights, and well-being of everyone who calls Austin home. These actions undermine the very purpose of community gatherings designed to foster connection, reflection, and belonging, essential elements of making Austin a truly welcoming city.”
- Police Chief Lisa Davis will call a supervisor on scene in future hate-speech incidents.
- Individuals may be cited for other violations, such as causing a disturbance.
- The city will review policies to ensure safety on city properties and facilities.
Broadnax also said:
> “The City of Austin’s ‘We All Belong’ campaign highlights our dedication to fostering a diverse culture where hatred is not tolerated. For more information on tools and resources to report hate crimes and related incidents, visit austintexas.gov/againsthate.”
State and Federal Reaction
CAIR-Austin urged Gov. Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn to condemn the harassment. Abbott’s November designation of the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR as foreign terrorist organizations and “transitional criminal organizations” was highlighted.
Greg Abbott said:
> “This designation authorizes heightened enforcement against both organizations and prohibits them from purchasing or acquiring land in Texas.”
| Organization | Designation | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| CAIR | Foreign terrorist organization | Prohibited from purchasing land |
| Muslim Brotherhood | Foreign terrorist organization | Prohibited from purchasing land |
Key Takeaways
- Two men harassed a Muslim potluck in Austin with slurs and a megaphone.
- Officials condemned the hate speech revising police protocols.
- Leaders weighed in on extremist designations.
The incident underscores the challenges of balancing free speech with community safety, prompting city officials to adjust police protocols while state leaders reaffirm their stance on extremist groups.
