Three Muslims were killed after two teenage gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego in California, in an attack Muslim organisations say reflects the increasingly mainstream nature of anti-Muslim rhetoric in public life.
Authorities said Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vasquez, 18, approached the mosque heavily armed with rifles and handguns. Both later died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said.
Authorities are investigating the incident as a “possible hate crime.”
Security guard Amin Abdullah is believed to have confronted and shot one of the attackers before being fatally wounded himself. After being shot, he reportedly managed to raise the alarm and warn those inside the centre to lock the doors. Around 200 children were attending the Islamic school inside the complex at the time.
“If it was not for him … The carnage would be much worse,” said Imam Taha Hassane. “He sacrificed his life.”
San Diego police chief Scott Wahl described Abdullah’s actions as “heroic” and said they had undoubtedly saved lives.
He also praised the actions of the two other victims — Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad — saying their intervention helped prevent further loss of life.
An official support fund has since been established for the victims. https://www.facebook.com/IslamicCenterSD/posts/pfbid0qTREUWQSKp4WgiPgoL3LFG9LJJ4JyLN78qttqtCmNUY785vGpDU8A79jTfiC8KKBl
According to the FBI, the shooters met and were radicalised online. Mark Remily, the special agent in charge of the FBI San Diego office, said investigators uncovered a “manifesto” that expressed a “broad hatred” toward various races and religions.
Tributes pour in
Friends and community members described Abdullah as a deeply respected figure who had long supported and protected the local community, while others on social media also heaped praise.
Muslim organisations and advocacy have argued that the attack happened amidst the backdrop of a wider climate of anti-Muslim rhetoric in political and public discourse.
“We are deeply disturbed, but not at all surprised,” the Council on American Islamic Relations (Cair) said in a statement. “Hate against American Muslims is completely out of control.”
“Numerous politicians have spent the past year claiming that all ‘mainstream Muslims’ should be destroyed, that American mosques and elementary schools should be shut down, and that American Muslims should be expelled from our nation. Just last week, House Republicans held a congressional hearing to fan the flames of hate against American Muslims, their houses of worship and even Muslim school children.”
