Muslim mosques and centers attacked in Texas

Symbols such as the Star of David were painted around the banners and entrance doors of the Nueces Mosque, the Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association (IABA), and the Austin Religious Affairs Center in Austin, Texas, USA.

The Austin chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported attacks on mosques and religious centers.

In a statement, CAIR called the three religious centers "hate-motivated attacks" and called on local authorities to take action. The organization asked for increased security at the three locations where the attacks occurred.

According to the statement, a masked man painted the Star of David symbol on the main entrance and walls of the Nueces mosque. Similar actions were also taken on advertising banners and doors belonging to the IABA and the Austin Center for Religious Affairs.

The statement also noted that last month, CAIR Arizona welcomed the arrest of a suspect who made death threats against a mosque in Avondale. The current attacks in Austin are seen as a continuation of the recent rise in anti-Islam sentiment in the country.

Shaimaa Zayan, a spokesperson for CAIR Austin, said the attacks on the three centers overnight showed that the incident was premeditated and targeted. "The Nueces Mosque in particular is a spiritual and cultural center for students on the University of Texas at Austin campus," she said.

Zayan said the Austin Police Department has been asked to increase security around all Islamic centers. Anyone who recognizes the person or persons who carried out the attack or has information about the incident is asked to contact authorities immediately.

Revand Abdulghani, head of the Nueces mosque, said: "We are very concerned about the recent increase in Islamophobia, anti-immigrant sentiment, and pressures on students' freedom of expression."