Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday paused construction and development of a controversial Muslim city, because of several probes into the project by the Justice Department (DOJ) and the state.

Abbott previously halted construction on the project in April, and the state has launched multiple inquiries into it. The operation is planned by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) organization, and is expected to house a Muslim community near Dallas. 

The project, dubbed EPIC City, will include a new mosque, over 1,000 single- and multifamily homes, a K-12 Islamist faith-based school, senior housing, an outreach center, and a community college, if construction is allowed to continue. 

"Texas has halted any construction of EPIC City. There is no construction taking place," Abbott posted to X. " The state of Texas has launched about a half dozen investigations into this project. That includes criminal investigations. And, the US [DOJ] is also investigating. 

"This matter, and similar matters, are taken very seriously, and actions are being taken to address all concerns," he added.

The pause comes after some Texans voiced concern that the city would exclude non-Muslims and could promote Sharia Law, which can be harsh on those who do not follow Muslim teachings.

The Justice Department launched its investigation earlier this month, after Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn suggested the new city could violate "religious discrimination" laws, including the 1968 Fair Housing Act, the Washington Examiner reported.

“Religious-based discrimination is a constitutional violation as well as a federal rights investigation,” Cornyn said. “Appropriate steps should be taken to ensure that this community does not run afoul of these obligations. 

"Religious discrimination and Sharia Law have no place in the Lone Star State," he continued. "Any violations of federal law must be swiftly prosecuted, and I know under the Trump administration, they will be.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations dismissed Cornyn's probe request, stating that it was based on groundless fears that were "factually baseless." 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.