Friday marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, and the Islamic Association of Collin County at 6401 Independence Parkway in Plano became the focal point of a sharply divided gathering. The Lone Star Legionaries organized a demonstration titled “Stand for Texas (Against the Islamic Invasion),” urging Texans to resist what they describe as growing Islamic influence in the state.
Protesters’ Message
Jenn Mack, an independent write‑in candidate for Texas governor, attended the protest and urged participants to honor the Americans who died on September 11 while confronting what she called “Islamic supremacism.” “We can’t worry about hurting people’s feelings,” Mack said. “We lost thousands of American citizens.” She emphasized that the day should be used to remember the victims and to warn against future extremist threats.
Counter‑protesters Respond
Members of an interfaith coalition, including Muslims and representatives from CLEAR DFW, gathered nearby to demonstrate support for the local Muslim community. A CLEAR DFW spokesperson explained that the group’s presence was meant to show that Christians, Muslims, Jews, and others are welcome in North Texas. “This is a very peaceful resistance to what we are witnessing here in our opposition,” she said, adding that the gathering was intended to convey a message of unity.
The spokesperson also addressed misconceptions about Sharia law, describing it as “divine guidance that’s been bestowed upon Muslims to live an ethical and moral life,” and rejecting claims that Muslims are seeking to impose Islamic law on others.
Allegations of Ties to the Muslim Brotherhood
Krista Schild, Texas director for the RAIR Foundation USA, linked the protest to broader concerns about the “Islamization of Texas.” She cited documentation she says ties Texas mosques, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Islamic leaders together. Schild referenced past testimony before a U.S. House Judiciary subcommittee and highlighted the International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) as an organization with documented Brotherhood associations and foreign terrorism designations.
While the State Department notes that IUMS is widely viewed as affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, the group maintains it is independent. The union’s biography of its founding president, Yusuf al‑Qaradawi, acknowledges his Brotherhood association, and several Gulf states have placed IUMS on terrorism lists.
Local Context
Both the Islamic Association of Collin County and the nearby East Plano Islamic Center describe themselves as nonprofit religious, educational, and social organizations. The protests unfolded as worshippers attended Friday prayers, underscoring the tension between religious freedom and community concerns.
While protesters used the anniversary to warn of Islamic extremism, counter‑protesters argued that targeting the Muslim community on this solemn day unfairly associates American Muslims with the terrorists responsible for the attacks. The clash highlighted ongoing debates in North Texas over the presence of Muslim institutions, the interpretation of Sharia law, and the role of faith‑based activism in public discourse.
Looking Ahead
The incident reflects a broader statewide conversation about religious liberty, parental rights, and the influence of foreign‑linked organizations. Local officials have not yet commented on the demonstration, but community leaders on both sides say the dialogue will continue as North Texas grapples with its diverse cultural landscape.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
