APD Boosts Patrols at Austin Mosques

Austin Police Department said on Thursday it would increase its visible presence at local mosques and related events as Eid al-Adha approaches on May 27, 2026. The department said the move was being made “out of an abundance of caution” and urged residents to report suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1. The stepped-up patrols come after Austin Muslim institutions have faced vandalism and harassment over the past year. Austin police did not announce a specific threat tied to the new patrols. ### Why is APD adding patrols now? Thursday’s statement from APD said officers will maintain a visible presence at local mosques and related events as Eid al-Adha begins on May 27, 2026. The department said the patrols were intended as a precaution and asked the public to “look out for one another.” The department’s public message used the same “See Something, Say Something” language it has used in other security advisories around religious observances. APD said anyone who observes suspicious behavior or becomes aware of a potential threat should call 9-1-1. ### Did police cite a specific threat in Austin? APD’s statement, as reported Thursday, did not identify a specific local threat, suspect or incident connected to the increased patrols. The department said only that it was increasing its presence at mosques and related events citywide. Austin police have used similar precautionary deployments before. In December 2025, APD said it would maintain a visible presence at Jewish houses of worship and related events as Hanukkah began, also citing caution amid broader violence concerns. (cbsaustin.com) ### What has happened at Austin mosques recently? May 22, 2025, was the date CAIR-Austin said three Austin mosques were vandalized late at night. (cbsaustin.com) FOX 7 Austin reported that the Austin Diyanet Center, Nueces Mosque and the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association, or IABA, were targeted, with spray-painted markings found at entrances and on surrounding property. (cbsaustin.com) The Austin Police Department said at the time it was aware of “several incidents of vandalism” at local mosques and had set up directed patrols at all mosque locations while investigators worked the cases. CAIR-Austin operations manager Shaimaa Zayan said the attacks were meant to “instill fear and division” and called on APD to heighten security and surveillance around Islamic centers in Austin. (fox7austin.com) CBS Austin later reported that Police Chief Lisa Davis said the crimes were connected and that directed patrols would be placed at every mosque in the city, including marked cruisers and undercover officers. ### Have Austin Muslim groups raised other safety concerns? December 2025 brought another flashpoint when two protesters interrupted a breakfast potluck hosted by the North Austin Muslim Community Center, according to KUT. (fox7austin.com) APD said officers responded, and City Manager T.C. Broadnax later said Chief Lisa Davis was changing department practice so officers would call a supervisor to the scene in apparent hate-speech incidents. (cbsaustin.com) Muzzammil Ahmad, who attended the gathering, said participants met in public “in good faith” and asked APD to ensure spaces remain safe and welcoming. Shaimaa Zayan of CAIR-Austin said the policy change would help not only Muslims but other vulnerable communities facing harassment based on identity. ### What are civil rights groups and mosque leaders asking people to do? (kut.org) CAIR-Austin has repeatedly urged community members to report threats and provide information to investigators. After the 2025 vandalism cases, the group asked anyone who recognized the suspect or had relevant information to contact authorities immediately. (kut.org) APD’s current advisory also centers on reporting. The department said residents should remain alert during Eid-related gatherings and contact 9-1-1 if they observe suspicious activity or become aware of a potential threat. ### What happens next during Eid week? May 27, 2026, is the date APD cited for the start of Eid al-Adha in its advisory. The department said officers will maintain a visible presence at mosques and related events throughout the city as holiday prayers and gatherings begin. (fox7austin.com) (cbsaustin.com)