Texas Relay Race crowd draws controversy

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Texas Relays draws athletes from across the country which gives a much needed boost to the Austin economy. The participants, their family and friends, reportedly provide $8 million in revenue to Austin stores, restaurants and tourist spots. But some of the shops chose to close early which is upsetting some.

In a controversial move, North Austin’s Highland Mall closed its doors early on Saturday at 2 p.m., something they have never done previously during a major event like the relays. Some are accusing the mall’s early closure as racist. A fight broke out back in 2007 at the Highland Mall during the Texas Relays. A Youtube video shot inside the Highland Mall back in 2007 shows two African American men arguing while a large crowd looked on. The video also depicts some men throwing dollar bills down at young women.

Nelson Linder the President of Austin NAACP says he will be going to the city council asking them to get involved. He feels having Highland Mall, Flamingo Cantino and Emo's on 6th street close down makes the city look bad as it falls on the weekend of the Texas Relay races. Meanwhile, the Austin Police Department says they are at 100% staffing downtown and say during the relays their crime rates don't increase compared to weekends with other large events.

The Highland Mall general management wouldn't elaborate on previous incidents but sent us this statement saying they chose to close early "because the safety and security of our shoppers and retailers is our top priority." Regardless of the reason, many of the shoppers felt racism was the root of their decision.