Protesters and counterprotesters assembled near the Islamic Association of Collin County on Friday, marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The gathering at 6401 Independence Parkway featured competing groups debating Islam, Sharia law, and the expansion of Muslim communities in North Texas.
The Lone Star Legionaries organized the event under the banner "Stand for Texas (Against the Islamic Invasion)," urging Texans to resist what they describe as increasing Islamic influence in the state. Nearby, counterprotesters, including Muslims and members of an interfaith coalition, gathered to oppose the demonstration and voice support for the local Muslim community.
Jenn Mack, an independent write-in candidate for Texas governor, attended the protest and spoke to The Dallas Express. She stated that demonstrators should honor the Americans killed on September 11 while confronting what she characterized as Islamic supremacism.
"You know, it's important that we stand against any Islamic supremacists," Mack said. "Right now, we are in a day where we're supposed to be truly mourning and memorializing those who have fallen during 9/11."
Mack argued that Americans should not let concerns about offending others prevent them from discussing Islamic extremism. She emphasized the loss of life during the attacks, which killed 2,977 people after 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked four commercial airplanes.
"We can't worry about hurting people's feelings," Mack said. "We lost thousands of American citizens." She encouraged attendees to stand for those who lost family members and to protect against future threats.
Krista Schild, Texas director for RAIR Foundation USA, also spoke at the event. She said she became involved in activism following controversy over the proposed EPIC City development in North Texas, located about 25 minutes from her home.
"I've been standing against the Islamization of Texas, and specifically started with EPIC City," Schild said. She alleged that activists have provided lawmakers with documentation regarding ties between Texas mosques, the Muslim Brotherhood, and Islamic leaders.
Schild claimed she has been exposing terrorist ties to mosques like East Plano Islamic Center and highlighting Yasir Qadhi's connections to the Muslim Brotherhood. She stated this work aims to inform legislators about who is moving the Muslim Brotherhood agenda.
