The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its San Diego office (CAIR-San Diego) today condemned a shooting attack at Islamic Center of San Diego. CAIR-San Diego representatives are on the scene monitoring developments.
There appear to be individuals who were shot. School children attending school were inside during the attack. CAIR-San Diego and local community leader have confirmed that at least one member of the mosque was killed.
Video: CAIR-San Diego Responds to Deadly Shooting Attack at Mosque
In a statement, CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam said:
“We strongly condemn this horrifying act of violence at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this attack. No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school. We are working to learn more about this incident and we encourage everyone to keep this community in your prayers.”
CAIR offers a “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to all houses of worship.
According to CAIR’s most recent civil rights report, complaints of anti-Muslim bias and discrimination have continued to rise nationwide, reflecting an ongoing pattern of Islamophobia impacting communities across the country.
Washington, D.C., based CAIR encourages community members facing bias or hate incidents to report them to law enforcement and to CAIR.
Report an incident to CAIR: https://www.cair.com/report/
CAIR-San Diego is a chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. CAIR’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, tnizam@cair.com 760-201-7626
CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com