Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the state has stopped all construction on “EPIC City,” a proposed Muslim-themed development backed by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC).
EPIC officials have repeatedly denied claims that the town would violate state law, or operate under Islamic legal systems. Despite that, the project is under scrutiny from multiple agencies, with Abbott saying the development faces “a half dozen investigations”.
Newsweek contacted the East Plano Islamic Center for a response to the governor’s comments via email.
The Context
The development proposal, dubbed “EPIC City,” covers 402 acres in Collin and Hunt counties. It has drawn backlash from Texas officials, including Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, who have accused organizers of potential legal violations. Abbott previously wrote in March that “legislators are considering laws to restrict it, as well as laws to prevent foreign adversaries from buying land in Texas.”
What To Know
On Sunday, Abbott said that his office had suspended the construction of EPIC City, which gets its name from the acronym of the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC).
The governor wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “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.
“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.”
Hellbound and Down 