BREAKING: Texas has officially become the first state to designate the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as foreign terrorist organizations. This significant proclamation was made by Governor Greg Abbott on Tuesday, invoking Texan laws to prevent the groups from acquiring property within the state.
This urgent move comes as public safety concerns rise. Abbott emphasized the groups’ alleged goals of imposing Sharia law and establishing Islam’s “mastership of the world,” declaring, “These radical extremists are not welcome in our state.” The new measure also allows for enhanced law enforcement actions against these organizations.
The proclamation cites evidence linking CAIR to “terrorism-related activities,” referencing the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which has previously identified CAIR as a “front group” for Hamas. Founded in 1994, CAIR positions itself as a civil rights organization but has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its alleged connections to terrorism.
In a swift response, CAIR condemned Abbott’s proclamation as a “publicity stunt” devoid of legal foundation, threatening legal action to contest the designation. “Although we are flattered by Greg Abbott’s obsession with our civil rights organization, his proclamation has no basis in fact or law,” CAIR stated in a release.
The Muslim Brotherhood has been recognized globally as a controversial Sunni Islamist group, with several nations, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, designating it as a terrorist organization. Despite not being officially classified as such in the United States, the group has been under intense scrutiny. In June, Senator Ted Cruz reintroduced legislation targeting the Muslim Brotherhood following a violent incident involving an Egyptian national, Mohamed Soliman, who had expressed support for the group online.
The implications of Abbott’s proclamation are far-reaching. Gregg Roman, director of the Middle East Forum, hailed the move as “vindication.” He urged other states to follow Texas’s lead, stating, “Texas just proved that states don’t need Washington’s permission to protect their citizens from terror-linked organizations.”
As this situation develops, all eyes will be on Texas and the potential legal battles that may arise. The implications of this designation could set a precedent for how states address perceived threats from organizations linked to terrorism.
Residents and officials are urged to stay informed as this story unfolds. With Texas taking a bold step, the national conversation surrounding domestic security and civil rights is set to intensify.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as more reactions and legal responses are anticipated in the coming days.
