By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews.com
McKINNEY — A roadside sign at the McKinney Islamic Association (MIA) site was defaced last week with a cross and the words “Jesus Christ.” The incident became public on Sept. 7, when Dr. Taha Ansari shared a photo and statement on Facebook, prompting broad reaction from local residents.
In an email to TX3DNews, Dr. Ansari said he first learned about the vandalism when “a local citizen sent me a text message with the picture of the graffiti, expressing their concern and [requesting] that I should use my platform [to] help in this situation.” He called the act saddening but emphasized that it should not define the city. “The most important message that I would like to share is that a few bad apples do not represent an entire religion. McKinney has citizens with good values and this is not a representation of us.”
Dr. Ansari said community leaders responded quickly. “Many leaders of faith have reached out personally condemning this act and Mayor Cox personally called us expressing his concern,” he wrote.
In his earlier public statement, Dr. Ansari stressed that the graffiti should not be read as representative of local Christian communities: “This hateful act does not reflect the values of McKinney, nor does it represent the countless good Christians in our community who live their faith through love, compassion, and respect for their neighbors. McKinney is stronger because of its diversity.”
Context
The report of vandalism came as U.S. Rep. Keith Self (R–TX-03) published multiple posts on X about Islam—warning about Sharia law and what he called a “radical Islamic takeover” in the U.K. On Sept. 5, responding to news that Dearborn Heights, Michigan police added Arabic script to department badges, Self wrote: “This should set off alarm bells all across America. Sharia must be stopped from permeating our communities, legal system, and government.” On Sept. 8, one day after the McKinney incident was public, he added: “The radical Islamic takeover of the UK should serve as a warning sign to our country. We must stop Sharia dead in its tracks. It has no place in America.”
As of Sept. 9, Rep. Self has not issued a public statement about the vandalism in McKinney. TX3DNews has contacted his office for comment and is awaiting a response.
In a phone interview, Dr. Taha Ansari—who is not affiliated with the MIA board—said he does not believe anyone in the district, or in the United States more broadly, is seeking to implement Sharia law. He added that the U.S. “Constitution is the law of the land and that, as a Muslim, it is our duty to follow the laws of this country.”
Community reaction
Comments on Dr. Ansari’s Facebook post—shared in a private group—reflected both support and disagreement. Several neighbors called the vandalism “simply terrible,” said the Muslim community “has lived here peacefully for decades,” and urged residents to reject acts of hate. Others highlighted shared beliefs across faiths, noting that many Muslims speak about Jesus with reverence. Some commenters questioned motives or suggested the act might be trolling; those remarks drew pushback from others who said speculation minimizes harm. Because the discussion occurred in a private forum, TX3DNews is not naming individual commenters.
Where things stand
As of Sept. 9, the McKinney Islamic Association has not issued an official statement. TX3DNews has contacted the Association for comment and for information on any police report or follow-up actions and is awaiting a response. Community members have urged city officials to condemn the vandalism publicly and to ensure incidents targeting houses of worship are addressed promptly.
Asked how to reduce the likelihood of similar incidents, Dr. Ansari pointed to collaboration: “There should be more work with broader communities, minorities, [and] religious institutions to work together to show McKinney is truly a unique city where we all belong and help each other.”
Speaking in a personal capacity, Dr. Ansari added that he would like to see more community-facing activity from the association. “I would like to see the McKinney Islamic Association being more involved in local outreach, helping those in need and be a model representation for McKinney,” he said.
What’s next
No investigative details have been publicly released specific to this incident. TX3DNews will update its reporting if the McKinney Islamic Association, Rep. Self’s office, or city officials provide additional information or formal statements.
The incident sits at the intersection of national rhetoric and local reality: a religious sign was defaced in McKinney even as U.S. Rep. Keith Self (R–TX-03), the district’s representative in Congress, posted on X about the threat of Sharia law and warned of what he called a “radical Islamic takeover” in the U.K. Whether this moment deepens division or prompts renewed cooperation will depend on how city leaders, faith communities, and residents respond in the days ahead.
Editors note: TX3DNews has requested comment from the McKinney Islamic Association and U.S. Rep. Keith Self’s office. This story will be updated with any response.
As a native Texan, it is particularly disheartening to read that this has happened. We may be proud, but we are also Americans and this nation is filled with people from all over the world and all religions. There should be NO PLACE for this kind of activity!