Texas Gov. Abbott and Ken Paxton announce investigations into EPIC City
By Kevin Reece
PLANO, Texas — Epic City is a master planned residential and commercial project in rural Collin County intended to be a "vibrant and inclusive community that serves the evolving needs of the Muslim community."
But it has drawn the attention, criticism and apparently the ire of Governor Greg Abbott.
A years-long project of the East Plano Islamic Center, the 402 acres of recently purchased property is slated to be the home of Epic City, with neighboring acreage announced as locations for Epic Ranches, additional subdivisions developed by the mosque.
North of Josephine near the intersections of County Roads 850 and 695, Epic City and it's 1,000 homes and parks and recreational areas surrounding a mosque and school, is promised as a "a thriving ecosystem that cultivates growth, fosters meaningful connections, and paves the way for prosperity for all who choose to call EPIC City home."
But last month, online, Governor Abbott raised the rumor of Sharia law potentially playing a part in the project.
"To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas," he wrote on X. "Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are 'no go zones' which this project seems to imply."
The account for EpicRanches replied, "Governor Abbott, our vision is to build a diverse, safe, and inclusive community - one in which people of every background, faith, and culture can live together in harmony. It should go without saying that our community, like any other in this great state, will follow all local, state, and federal laws."
But in a February 27 letter to Attorney General Ken Paxton, State Representative Jeff Leach cited "reports" that Sharia law might be a part of the project and told Paxton "I trust that your office will give this matter the attention it deserves."
In a March 13 video on the EPIC YouTube site, Shaykh Dr. Yasir Qadhi, the resident scholar of EPIC, acknowledged the critics in a conversation about community service and political activism.
"You're probably aware that on social media, there's a lot of negative campaigns against our particular masjid, EPIC," he said in a presentation to members of the mosque. "Because of our project EPIC City. Right? And a lot of the far right are riling up hatred."
Now, this week, Abbott and Paxton announced that "a dozen state agencies are investigating" the proposed development, alleging "serious legal issues."
The Texas Funeral Service Commission sent a cease and desist letter alleging illegal funeral services at the East Plano Islamic Center. And on X, the governor wrote, "This is the tip of the iceberg...the proposed community will never see the light of day."
On Thursday, representatives for EPIC City did not respond to requests for comment. But in that X response last month to the Governor, invited him for further discussion.
"We would love for you to see the site and learn about our project over some Hutchins BBQ."
On Friday, the Texas Workforce Commission also announced it's also investigating EPIC City to determine whether any fair housing laws are being violated.
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