A criminal investigation has been launched into EPIC City, a proposed Dallas-area development centered around a mosque in Josephine, Texas. Senator John Cornyn announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating the community project due to growing concerns about its potential to enforce Sharia law and discriminate based on faith. Senator Cornyn requested the investigation after multiple Texas officials raised alarms about the project, which some claim could result in the creation of a Muslim-exclusive community. "Religious discrimination and Sharia law have no place in the Lone Star State," Cornyn said, emphasizing the importance of protecting constitutional rights.
The proposed community is being developed by Community Capital Partners (CCP) and features a new mosque, housing, schools, and other community facilities. Developers have expressed their vision of creating an inclusive community where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together harmoniously. However, critics, including Governor Greg Abbott, have questioned the intentions behind the development, claiming that the project could impose Sharia law in violation of Texas regulations.
Dan Cogdell, the attorney representing EPIC City, has strongly denied these accusations, calling the investigations a case of racial profiling. "None of the investigations would be happening if the community was planned around a church or temple," he argued. The attorney insists that the developers have followed the law and are committed to cooperating with the investigations, despite what they believe are misguided concerns.
This controversy has drawn national attention, with figures like Attorney General Ken Paxton and Governor Abbott questioning the legality of the development. Abbott’s concerns have included statements about Sharia law not being allowed in Texas, which has raised significant public debate. While EPIC City remains in the planning stages, its first phase of development has already sold out, with the second phase still accepting investors. Despite the mounting scrutiny, the developers remain steadfast in their commitment to diversity and inclusion. The investigation and controversy surrounding EPIC City highlight ongoing tensions in Texas regarding religious freedom and community development. As the DOJ probe continues, state leaders and developers are locked in a contentious battle over what could be the future of this high-profile project.
