EPIC City Project Hires Defense Attorney

April 4, 2025 – Developers of the controversial EPIC City project in Hunt and Collin Counties have retained high-profile defense attorney Dan Cogdell as they face multiple state investigations. The decision, announced Thursday by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC), comes amid growing legal and political scrutiny of the proposed master-planned Muslim community.

“This project is simply the victim of racial profiling,” Cogdell said. 

The hiring of Cogdell, a well-known defense attorney with a history of representing high-profile clients, signals that EPIC City developers are preparing for a serious legal battle. Cogdell was notably involved in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s 2023 impeachment defense, making his involvement in this case particularly noteworthy given Paxton’s current role in investigating EPIC City.

The project has faced mounting criticism, with Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Paxton both announcing legal probes into its activities. While details of the investigations remain unclear, the heightened attention has led to intense public and political debate. Supporters argue that the project is being unfairly targeted, while critics claim potential legal and regulatory violations.

With Cogdell now leading their defense, EPIC City developers are likely to push back against state allegations. As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could have significant implications for both the project and broader discussions on religious and community development in Texas.