The San Francisco Bay Area office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-SFBA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the deadly shooting attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
CAIR San Diego (CAIR-SD) and local community leaders have confirmed that at least one member of the mosque was killed in the attack. School children were reportedly inside during the shooting, and CAIR-SD representatives are on the scene monitoring developments.
In a statement, CAIR-SFBA Executive Director Zahra Billoo said:
“A deadly attack at a mosque anywhere in California is felt by Muslim families across the state, including here in the Bay Area. We are grieving with the Islamic Center of San Diego community, the family of the mosque member who was reportedly killed, the children and families who were inside during the attack, and everyone traumatized by this horrific violence. No one should ever fear being killed while going to pray, sending their child to school, or entering a Muslim community space.
“This attack comes at a time when Muslim communities are facing a dangerous climate of Islamophobia, dehumanization, political scapegoating, and threats against our institutions. Our communities need answers, protection, and solidarity—not just in San Diego, but across California.”
CAIR-SFBA said it stands in solidarity with the Islamic Center of San Diego, CAIR-SD, and the broader San Diego Muslim community.
The organization encouraged Bay Area mosques, Islamic schools, and community institutions to review their safety plans, remain vigilant, and report any threats, harassment, or suspicious activity to local law enforcement and CAIR-SFBA.
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.
CAIR-SFBA also encouraged community members facing bias or hate incidents to report them to law enforcement and to CAIR-SFBA.
CAIR-SFBA is an office of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-SFBA Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com
