By RJ Morales | TX3DNews
A protest held earlier this month outside the East Plano Islamic Center has drawn responses from congressional candidates and sparked a wave of online reaction across Texas’ 3rd Congressional District.
The demonstration, organized by activists opposing the proposed EPIC City project, took place during regular mosque operations and featured messaging that extended beyond development concerns, including rhetoric warning of what protesters described as the “Islamization of America.”
Turnout and On-Site Observations
Accounts of the protest’s size varied. Dr Matt Rostami, who attended the demonstration, said the crowd was smaller than expected and did not reflect broad political support.
“I’d estimate around 50 people,” Rostami said. “No GOP elected official or any conservative activists locally I know bothered showing up.”
Rostami, a conservative Trump supporter and founder of a Muslims for Trump group, said the absence of elected officials and mainstream conservative figures reflected what he views as the protest’s limited appeal within Republican politics and in swing districts nationally.
“Most independent voters in swing districts probably know or interacted with a Muslim,” he said. “So ‘stopping Islam from conquering America’ isn’t going to be the political issue that makes them vote in the midterms.”
Rostami added that he does not expect elected officials to respond unless protests cross into violence, saying political leaders tend to repeat rhetoric they believe resonates with their base.
Town-Hall Rhetoric Forms the Backdrop
The protest followed repeated discussions at recent TX-03 town halls about Islam, Sharia law, and the proposed EPIC City development. Rep. Keith Self has frequently described Sharia law as incompatible with the U.S. Constitution in constituent forums.
At several town halls, attendees raised concerns about Islam and the development and asked what actions could be taken. During one exchange, Self was asked whether such rhetoric could place Muslim communities at risk but did not directly address the question, drawing criticism from Muslim residents and civil-rights advocates.
Rostami said he has previously met privately with Self and donated to his campaign.
“I gave money to Keith in the past and have had coffee with him one on one,” Rostami said. “I’ve asked to meet with him again, but he keeps dodging me.”
Rostami said that in his meetings with Self and other Muslim constituents, religious law was not the focus.
“We have never asked him about Sharia,” Rostami said. “So I’m not sure why he keeps talking about Sharia Law.”
Evan Hunt Condemns Protest, Calls for Unity
Democratic congressional candidate Evan Hunt addressed the protest directly in a Facebook post, linking it to broader patterns of religious extremism.
“This hate isn’t just abroad,” Hunt wrote. “Yesterday — right here at home in Collin County — we saw ugly, un-American protests targeting Muslims in Epic City.”
“Hate begets hate,” Hunt added, warning that intolerance does not remain confined to one group. He called for interfaith unity, writing that “real freedom means the freedom to live openly and safely, whether you light a menorah, attend church, pray at a mosque, or practice no faith at all.”
CAIR Praises EPIC, Urges De-Escalation
Ahead of the protest, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement praising the East Plano Islamic Center and the Plano Muslim community for continuing normal activities despite the demonstration.
CAIR highlighted that the mosque proceeded with a weekend food drive open to the general public and commended local law enforcement for working with community leaders to help maintain safety. In its statement, CAIR described the demonstration as a “hate rally” and urged elected officials to condemn what it characterized as anti-Muslim extremism, naming Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton in its criticism.
The organization also encouraged community members to ignore provocations and follow guidance from mosque leadership and law enforcement.
Online Reaction Extends the Fallout
Reaction to the protest extended well beyond the demonstration itself. A Facebook post discussing the event generated tens of thousands of views and hundreds of comments, many of which quickly devolved into highly polarized exchanges.
While some commenters criticized the protest as politically damaging or described its organizer as a fringe figure, others posted sweeping claims about Muslims, Jews, Christians, and U.S. foreign policy. Several commenters who identified themselves as independents, libertarians, or former Republicans said the protest reinforced their decision to distance themselves from GOP candidates.
One commenter, who described himself as politically unaffiliated, wrote that the protest was “completely counterproductive,” adding that demonstrations targeting a mosque were “the kind of thing that pushes moderates away instead of bringing anyone in.”
Broader Implications
Despite the protest, the East Plano Islamic Center continued its scheduled prayer services and community programs, including activities open to the public. In the days that followed, advocacy groups and community leaders called on elected officials to address rising tensions and discourage rhetoric targeting houses of worship.
The demonstration and the reactions to it unfolded as TX-03 heads toward the 2026 election cycle, during a period of heightened political competition and demographic change.
Editor’s Note: TX3DNews reached out to representatives of the East Plano Islamic Center and to Rep. Keith Self for comment regarding the protest and related concerns. As of publication, no responses have been received. This article will be updated if responses are provided.