Accusations of Hate Speech Against Texas Governor
A high-profile Texas attorney retained by the East Plano Islamic Center and the developer behind the planned EPIC City project outside of Dallas accused Texas Gov. Greg Abbott of “gubernatorial hate speech” after he initiated a series of state investigations against the groups.
The attorney, Dan Cogdell, represents the mosque and Community Capital Partners LP. He lashed out at the Republican governor, accusing him of “pandering to a far Right base” in public statements about the project. Cogdell has a notable track record, having represented Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton during his 2023 impeachment proceedings and winning acquittals in the Enron-Merrill Lynch trial and a criminal case following the Branch Davidian showdown.
“My mission here today is to try and get some truth out,” Cogdell said. “What’s happened today, primarily at the governor’s office, is anything but the truth has been spewed out.”
Community Capital Partners, formed by some members of the East Plano Islamic Center, has said it hopes to build more than 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, elderly and assisted living, apartments, clinics, retail shops, a community college, and sports fields on 402 acres in Collin and Hunt counties.
The East Plano Islamic Center is one of the largest mosques in North Texas. Imran Chaudhary, president of Community Capital Partners, said in a statement that his group plans to “build an inclusive community, one in which people of every background, faith, and culture can live together in harmony.”
Background on the EPIC City Project
The project has been met with controversy, with some expressing concerns about the potential impact on the local community. However, the developers have emphasized their commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all residents.
Cogdell said his clients at Community Capital Partners are “law-abiding Texans, law-abiding Americans, and law-abiding Muslims.” He expressed his shame and disappointment at the falsehoods being spread about the project, stating, “To call this a compound is an outright lie. And it’s an insult, and it’s doing nothing but try to demonize faithful, religious, honest, hard-working people.”
Investigations and Allegations
Abbott announced Monday that he has directed the Texas Rangers to investigate the mosque and related businesses for “potential criminal activities.” At least four other investigations into EPIC are being led by Paxton, the Texas Workforce Commission, the Texas State Board of Securities, and the Texas Funeral Service Commission.
Paxton announced the first investigation last Tuesday, requesting documents from Community Capital Partners related to the EPIC City development. The request is part of Paxton’s investigation into whether the group is violating state consumer protection laws.
The Texas State Securities Board launched its investigation last Thursday into potential failures to “comply with applicable state and federal securities requirements, including protections against fraud.” In a news release, Abbott said the mosque and affiliated companies may be misleading investors.
Response from the Mosque and Developers
The East Plano Islamic Center said in a statement Thursday that, because of the cease-and-desist letter and “hateful attacks,” it has stopped funeral prayers for loved ones. The mosque’s board of directors stated, “We believe in the U.S. Constitution, the freedom of religion it protects, and the laws of this land. We abide by state and federal laws and have nothing to hide.”
Cogdell said there are no formal criminal allegations against the group and hopes there will be no formal allegations “because I don’t think anything has occurred.” He criticized the governor’s actions, saying, “(Abbott) authorized the Texas Rangers to investigate. Really? It’s a field. The old adage used to be ‘one riot, one Ranger.’ Is the new adage ‘one cow patty, one Ranger?’”
Sapp, a gospel singer and senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel, said the clip was ‘misconstrued and misunderstood.’
Readers question the pushback to the EPIC City project; look closely at Dallas ISD statistics; would like more done on the prevention of child welfare issues; and call Sen. Booker a real patriot.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding the EPIC City project has sparked heated debates and accusations. While the developers and the mosque have emphasized their commitment to creating an inclusive community, the investigations and allegations have raised concerns about the potential impact on the local community. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the investigations will proceed and what the outcome will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the EPIC City project and the controversy surrounding it:
Q: What is the EPIC City project?
A: The EPIC City project is a planned development of over 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, elderly and assisted living, apartments, clinics, retail shops, a community college, and sports fields on 402 acres in Collin and Hunt counties.
Q: Who is behind the EPIC City project?
A: The project is being developed by Community Capital Partners, a company formed by some members of the East Plano Islamic Center.
Q: What are the investigations about?
A: The investigations are into potential criminal activities, consumer protection laws, securities requirements, and fair housing laws. At least five state agencies are involved in the investigations, including the Texas Rangers, the Texas Attorney General’s office, and the Texas Workforce Commission.
Q: What has been the response from the mosque and developers?
A: The mosque and developers have denied any wrongdoing and emphasized their commitment to creating an inclusive community. They have criticized the governor’s actions, accusing him of spreading falsehoods and engaging in “gubernatorial hate
