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By Theo Burman
Live News Reporter
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott has 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 has contacted the East Plano Islamic Center via email for a response to the governor's comments.
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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. The governor 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.
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 U.S. Department of Justice is also investigating. This matter, and similar matters, are taken very seriously, and actions are being taken to address all concerns."
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EPIC City was planned to include over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a faith-based school, and a community college. The project is led by Community Capital Partners, created by EPIC to manage the development.
Organizers said the community would fully comply with state and federal laws, and denied any intent to establish Sharia law, contrary to Abbott's public statements.
In February, Abbott posted: "Sharia law is not allowed in Texas."
In March, Texas authorities sent a cease-and-desist letter to EPIC, demanding it stop funeral services, citing a lack of licensing. Paxton's office also issued a Civil Investigative Demand to Community Capital Partners.
A spokesperson for the East Plano Islamic Center told Newsweek that construction had not started because the project was still in the planning phase.
EPIC said that the developer they were working with had not yet filed for any permits to begin construction, so there was nothing to be halted, as the governor claimed.
"No criminal investigations have been announced," Dan Cogdell, an attorney for Community Capital Partners, told Newsweek. "All 'investigations' to date have centered on civil/regulatory matters."
Last Friday, Texas Senator John Cornyn said that the Department of Justice had responded to his call to investigate potential "religious discrimination" at EPIC City.
"I am grateful to Attorney General [Pam] Bondi and the Department of Justice for hearing my concerns and opening an investigation into the proposed EPIC City development in North Texas," Cornyn said.
"Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no place in the Lone Star State. Any violations of federal law must be swiftly prosecuted, and I know under the Trump administration, they will be."
What People Are Saying
Mustafaa Carroll, executive director of the Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told Newsweek: "Texas Governor Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton…have chosen to abuse their power by launching groundless 'investigations' against EPIC.
"Instead of acting like true public servants and leaders, they have chosen to add fuel to the fire by disseminating hateful misinformation."
In a Facebook post, the East Plano Islamic Center said: "We are regularly receiving hate calls and death threats. Our mosque leaders' personal home addresses have been shared, jeopardizing the safety of families."
What Happens Next
The EPIC City proposal remains in its early phases, and no formal planning application has yet been submitted. It is unclear how the investigations, cease-and-desist actions, and mounting political opposition will impact the project's future.
Update 5/13/2025 4:33 a.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from Dan Cogdell.
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