Washington: The American Human Rights Council (AHRC USA) has expressed deep sorrow over the May 18 mass shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, describing the attack as another senseless act of hate and violence and urging a coordinated national response to the growing threat of mass shootings and domestic terrorism.
In a statement issued after the attack, AHRC extended condolences to the families and friends of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. The organisation noted that the tragedy comes as Muslims in the United States and around the world prepare for Eid al-Adha on May 27 during one of the holiest periods of the Islamic calendar, adding to the grief felt by the Muslim community.
AHRC warned that mass shootings and domestic terror attacks have become increasingly frequent in the United States and stressed that no community or place is immune from violence.
The organisation also raised concerns over what it described as a toxic climate of political rhetoric, racism, demonisation, and anti-Muslim hate directed at Muslims in America. According to AHRC, such rhetoric creates fertile ground for violence and risks normalising hostility toward Islam and Muslims.
Calling the trend “un-American, dangerous, and unacceptable,” AHRC said the rise in domestic terrorism and mass shootings represents a serious national challenge requiring urgent and sustained attention.
The council emphasised that addressing the issue would require proactive planning and long-term cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. It added that public safety cannot be left solely to local police forces and called for coordinated discussions at the local, state, and national levels to develop practical and common-sense solutions.
“Public safety must never be reduced to ideology or partisanship. This is about saving lives,” the statement said.
AHRC also paid tribute to the heroism displayed during the attack, particularly mosque guard Amin Abdullah, whose actions reportedly helped save the lives of children and staff at the centre. The organisation also honoured Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, noting that Awad lost his life while warning others to stay away from the mosque during the shooting.
The statement praised the swift response of law enforcement teams in San Diego and urged businesses, civic organisations, and religious institutions to strengthen their own security measures, stressing that safety can never be taken for granted.
