APD Boosts Mosque Patrols in Austin

Austin police said on May 21 that officers will maintain a visible presence at local mosques and related events across the city as Eid al-Adha begins next week. The Austin Police Department said the move was being taken “out of an abundance of caution” after a deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego earlier this week. APD said there were no known or credible threats to Austin. The department said it was coordinating with state and federal partners and with local faith communities as holiday gatherings approach. ### Why did Austin police add patrols this week? The Austin Police Department linked the decision directly to the San Diego mosque attack. APD said three people were shot and killed at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, including a security guard working at the mosque, according to KVUE’s report citing San Diego police. Two suspected gunmen, ages 17 and 18, were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds a few blocks away, officials said. (kvue.com) APD said the added patrols were timed to Eid al-Adha, which begins on May 27, 2026. In a public statement, the department said officers would remain at local mosques and related events throughout the city during the holiday period. ### What exactly did APD say about threats in Austin? (kvue.com) Austin police said there was no specific threat information tied to local mosques. APD said, “At this time, there are no known or credible threats to the City of Austin,” while adding that it would still keep a visible presence at mosques and related events. The department urged residents to report suspicious behavior by calling 9-1-1. (kvue.com) The City of Austin also directed residents to hate-crime and hate-incident reporting resources through its “We All Belong” campaign and the city’s anti-hate information page, according to the APD statement carried by KVUE. ### Have Austin mosques faced recent security incidents? (kvue.com) Three Austin mosques were vandalized in May 2025, according to CAIR-Austin and Austin police statements reported by FOX 7 Austin. The Austin Diyanet Center, Nueces Mosque and the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association were targeted, and APD said at the time it had set up directed patrols at all mosque locations while investigators worked the cases. (kvue.com) CAIR-Austin said symbols including Stars of David were spray-painted at Nueces Mosque and other property was damaged at the other sites. Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR-Austin’s operations manager, called the incidents “targeted attacks meant to instill fear and division” and urged APD to heighten security and surveillance around Islamic centers in Austin. (fox7austin.com) ### How are Muslim community groups describing the police response? CAIR-Austin publicly called for stronger police protection after the 2025 vandalism incidents. FOX 7 reported that APD responded by establishing directed patrols at mosque locations and asking the public to report suspicious activity. APD’s May 2026 statement used similar language, saying the department remained committed to a “secure and inclusive Austin” and stood against hatred and violence. (fox7austin.com) The department said it was working with communities of faith as the holiday approached. ### What should worshippers and residents expect next? (fox7austin.com) Eid al-Adha begins on the evening of May 26 and APD said its visible presence at mosques and related events would start as the observance begins on May 27, 2026. The department told residents to call 9-1-1 if they see suspicious activity and pointed them to city hate-incident reporting resources for additional support. (kvue.com)