Mon May 12 20:20:00 UTC 2025: **Texas Governor Halts Construction of Proposed Muslim-Themed Development “EPIC City” Amidst Multiple Investigations**
AUSTIN, TX – Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Sunday that the state has halted all construction on EPIC City, a large-scale development project planned by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). The project, encompassing 402 acres in Collin and Hunt counties, has faced significant backlash from state officials who allege potential legal violations.
Abbott cited approximately half a dozen ongoing investigations into the project, including criminal investigations, and confirmed that the Department of Justice is also conducting an inquiry. These investigations stem from concerns raised by Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton regarding potential legal violations and the possibility of the development operating under Sharia law—a claim EPIC officials vehemently deny.
The proposed EPIC City includes over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a faith-based school, and a community college. While organizers maintain the development will fully comply with all state and federal laws, the project has already faced a cease-and-desist letter from Texas authorities regarding unlicensed funeral services.
Senator John Cornyn also announced that the Department of Justice investigation followed his call to address concerns about potential religious discrimination.
The East Plano Islamic Center has reported receiving hate calls and death threats since the controversy escalated. Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of the Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, criticized Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton for what he called an abuse of power, accusing them of disseminating hateful misinformation.
The EPIC City proposal is currently in its early stages, with no formal planning application submitted. The impact of the ongoing investigations and political opposition on the project’s future remains uncertain.
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