Asian Americans Advancing Justice Condemns Deadly Attack on Islamic Center of San Diego
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2026
CONTACT:
Aleisha Flores: (771) 233-8202 aflores@advancingjustice-aajc.org
Liana Liang: lliang@ajsocal.org
James Woo: media@advancingjustice-atlanta.org
Angela Lin: alin@advancingjustice-chicago.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, two gunmen motivated by hate attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego, a mosque and school in San Diego, CA, killing three people.
Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a national affiliation of four independent civil rights organizations, issues the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the broader Muslim community. No one should fear for their safety while gathering in sacred spaces of worship, community, or belonging. This violence comes amid a troubling pattern of rising Islamophobia and ongoing threats targeting Muslim communities across the country.
“We mourn alongside the victims’ families, the Muslim community in San Diego, and all those impacted by this act of violence. We strongly condemn anti-Muslim hate and all forms of violence that target people because of who they are, how they worship, or where they gather in community. We call on Congress and elected leaders to take meaningful action to protect targeted communities and confront the growing threat of extremist violence.
“We reaffirm our commitment to advancing peace, safety, and security for all communities. In this moment, community-led support and care for one another is critical. For those who are able, we encourage donations to the crisis response fund established by the Islamic Center of San Diego.”
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About Asian Americans Advancing Justice is a national affiliation of four leading Asian American civil rights organizations committed to advancing the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and building a more just society for all.
