McKinney City Manager Paul Grimes told city employees he was “disgusted” by some people who attended Tuesday night’s contentious mosque site plan meeting and referred to “sometimes mob-like behavior,” while praising city staff for their professionalism and handling of the packed gathering, according to an internal email obtained by The Dallas Express.
City officials had previously emphasized that the council’s discretion was legally constrained once the site plan was found compliant. Grimes’ internal message addressed that process but also included his personal reaction.
Grimes says democratic process can get ‘ugly’
“Our city became an unwitting host to a form of social angst that our country has wrestled with literally since the beginning of our Republic. Candidly, it isn’t always pretty; sometimes it is downright vile. Democracy can be like that, and this meeting was a reminder that our democratic process can get ugly at times,” Grimes wrote in the internal correspondence.“Personally, I was disgusted with those who tried to use their own faith to attack or belittle another. While free speech is a fundamental tenet of our First Amendment, so is the freedom to worship one’s faith,” Grimes added.
The email did not identify which speakers, statements or actions Grimes believed amounted to using one faith to attack another.
Grimes cites ‘mob-like behavior’
Grimes thanked city staff, police and firefighters for helping manage the hours-long meeting.
“For that, I thank you. Whether you were a part of the teams of staff that prepared and reviewed the subject agenda item, offered a hand during the meeting, or helped keep everyone safe as a member of the Police and Fire Departments, your contributions directly helped run a relatively smooth meeting amid unprecedented attendance and sometimes mob-like behavior exhibited by some members in the crowd.”
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, the McKinney City Council voted 7-0 late Tuesday to approve a 32,573-square-foot mosque and Islamic center after more than 150 people signed up to speak. The council chamber, an overflow room and City Hall hallways filled with attendees as speakers debated religious liberty, Sharia law, traffic and parking.
The meeting included repeated boos, cheers and confrontations. Police intervened after a woman confronted former Mayor George Fuller, who supported the project, and pressed a “Don’t Sharia My Texas” sign into his shirt before officers separated them and escorted Fuller from the building.
U.S. Rep. Keith Self (R-Texas), whose district includes McKinney, received a standing ovation before he warned council members about what he described as a progression from religious accommodation to political intimidation and raised concerns about Sharia and political Islam.
State Rep. Keresa Richardson (R-District 61) asked the council to delay action while citing state scrutiny of an Islamic tribunal connected to McKinney Islamic Association Imam Mohamed Al-Gebaly.
Grimes did not specifically name Self, Richardson or any other speaker in the internal message.
Grimes praises council and Muslim employees
City staff found the revised site plan compliant with the property’s existing zoning and development requirements. Grimes praised council members for approving the proposal.
“Our city council also deserves credit for patiently listening, evaluating the facts, and standing firm in approving a straightforward case amidst all the noise.”
Grimes closed the message by addressing Muslim city employees directly.
“Finally, to the city staff of all faiths – and particularly our team members who are from the Islamic faith – you are welcome here! Have no doubt that this organization stands in solidarity with the principles of freedom and justice our country was founded on. We are one McKinney, and I have never been more certain of my pride in working in this organization with all of you.”
The Dallas Express contacted Grimes and Jeter Thursday afternoon seeking comment on the internal message. DX asked Grimes what specific conduct he considered “mob-like,” whether he distinguishes criticism of Sharia or political Islam from an attack on Muslims’ religious freedom, and whether residents have a legitimate right to publicly raise those concerns even when they would not provide a lawful basis for denying an otherwise compliant site plan.
Grimes and Jeter did not respond to our request for comment by the time of publication.
Provided by Dallas Express
