Texas Student Faces Threats After Opposing Islamic Group’s Campus Activities

Marco Hunter-Lopez, a 16-year-old student at Wylie East High School in Texas, went viral after challenging an Islamic group’s activity on campus. His stance has led to death threats, he revealed to Congress last week.

Hunter-Lopez, president of the school’s Republican Club, shared his experience at a hearing titled “Sharia-Free America” held by the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Constitution and Limited Government. The invitation came from Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas.

The incident in question occurred on February 2 at his school. Four women from the “Why Islam?” group set up a booth, distributing hijabs to female students, copies of the Quran with conversion instructions, and pamphlets about Sharia law.

Hunter-Lopez posted videos of the booth online, which gained national attention. In his testimony, he detailed the threats he received. “People threatened to wait at my house and shoot me. Others told me to kill myself,” he stated. “But I find solace in my faith, awakening each day with victory in Christ.”

He argued that Sharia law conflicts with the U.S. Constitution and American principles. Hunter-Lopez claimed that distributing these materials in school without parental consent undermines educational neutrality.

“This promotes ideology under the guise of diversity and inclusion,” Hunter-Lopez told Congress.

During the session, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md, questioned the necessity of special laws for religious groups. Hunter-Lopez countered his view, citing America’s Christian foundations.

The exchange was widely shared online, with conservatives commending Hunter-Lopez’s responses. He later expressed frustration over being repeatedly interrupted by Raskin but maintained his readiness to defend his beliefs.

Hunter-Lopez reported hostile scrutiny of the Republican Club by the school administration. Allegations include denial of club recognition, censorship of posters, and inconsistent policy enforcement.

Wylie ISD officials refuted these claims, insisting on neutrality and legal compliance. A spokesperson emphasized no preferential treatment and highlighted procedural norms for student religious practices.

The district stated that the event with “Why Islam?” was due to a missed verification step, not an intentional promotion of religious views. Measures have been taken to prevent such occurrences in the future.

Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Keith Self have been proactive in countering what they see as threats to American civil liberties through the “Sharia-Free America Caucus.” Self criticized the school oversight, asserting repeated issues in the district. Wylie ISD challenged his remarks, considering them unfounded and disappointing.

Rep. Roy mentioned the rising influence of Islam in Texas, citing over 300 mosques and plans for Muslim-exclusive cities. He praised Hunter-Lopez for his courage in facing these challenges and speaking out.