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Murphy speaker reports harassment of Muslim youth while praying; urges council action
Summary
Owaiz Khan described an incident outside Original Mocha where he said minors in a Muslim youth group were verbally and physically harassed while praying and urged the council to adopt guidance on Islamophobia; he thanked city staff and police for outreach and requested further action to support affected youth.
Owaiz Khan told council that a group of Muslim minors from local high schools stopped near Original Mocha and, after seeking permission from the owner to pray, were approached by a man who yelled at them, mocked their religion, and physically harassed them while they were in prayer lines. Khan said the episode has had psychological effects on some youth and he believes some now need counseling.
Khan thanked Mayor and council members, specifically naming Laura Dill and Janae Butler, and city manager Aretha Adams and Murphy police for outreach; he said he spoke with Sergeant Bartholomew and the police chief. Khan said the community was told the incident was "just a guy being a jerk," which he called insufficient, and urged the council to review US Mayors guidance on Islamophobia and to implement measures to educate residents about Islam and de‑escalation. He invited dialogue with those who hold hostile views to "come to the table" and help mend community wounds.
Council thanked Khan for bringing the incident to their attention; no formal action was recorded at the meeting.
