San Diego: The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations and its local chapter CAIR-San Diego have strongly condemned a deadly shooting attack at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, where at least three worshippers were reportedly killed.
According to CAIR-San Diego representatives, several individuals appear to have been shot during the incident. Schoolchildren attending classes at the mosque’s elementary school were also inside the premises at the time of the attack. Community leaders confirmed that at least one member of the mosque, a security guard who played a crucial role in limiting the loss of life at the Islamic Centre, lost his life.
Two suspects are also dead after a massive police response to the mosque in the Clairemont neighbourhood. The pair, 17 and 18, died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, the police said. An imam from the Islamic Centre said all teachers, students and other school staff members who were at the mosque are safe.
CAIR-San Diego officials said they are present at the scene and closely monitoring developments as law enforcement agencies continue their investigation into the attack.
In a statement, CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam condemned the violence, stating that no one should have to fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at school. She expressed solidarity with the victims and urged the public to keep the affected community in their prayers.
The organisation also highlighted its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” guide, which provides recommendations for improving security at houses of worship and community institutions.
Referring to its latest civil rights report, CAIR noted that incidents of anti-Muslim bias and discrimination have continued to increase across the United States, reflecting what it described as a growing climate of Islamophobia affecting Muslim communities nationwide.
CAIR urged individuals facing hate crimes or discrimination to report such incidents both to law enforcement authorities and to the organisation for legal and community support.
