MPAC Condemns Deadly Anti-Muslim Attack at Islamic Center of San Diego; Calls for National Action to Address Rising Hate

Washington, D.C. | www.mpac.org | May 18, 2026 — The Muslim Public Affairs Council strongly condemns the horrific anti-Muslim terror attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, which killed three people: a heroic security guard who died protecting worshippers, and two staff members of the Center’s school.

MPAC extends its deepest condolences to the victims’ families and the community. We are still awaiting full confirmation on additional injuries and are praying that no further lives are lost. We also thank emergency responders and law enforcement for swift action and rapid response to the shooting.

Law enforcement is investigating the shooting as a targeted hate crime. Early findings reportedly include anti-Islamic writings in the suspect’s vehicle, a suicide note referencing “racial pride,” and hate speech inscribed on the firearm used in the attack.

“Houses of worship and schools should never be sites of terror,” said Haris Tarin, Vice President of Policy and Programming at MPAC. “We are praying for the victims and their families, especially the security guard who gave his life protecting others. No one should fear attending prayer or sending their children to school.”

This attack did not occur in a vacuum. Through MPAC’s Center for Security, Technology, and Policy, we have documented an eleven-fold increase in threats and attacks against American Muslims since January 2026.For years, anti-Muslim online figures, including Laura Loomer and Amy Mek, along with platforms such as StopAntisemitism, have amplified conspiracy theories portraying Muslims as national threats. This rhetoric has normalized hostility and contributed to a climate where violence becomes more likely.

MPAC also notes that elected officials, including Randy Fine, Chip Roy, Andy Ogles, and Keith Self, have increasingly used their platforms to promote fear-based narratives about Muslims and mosques, further legitimizing anti-Muslim sentiment.

“The two teenagers involved in the horrific crimes at the Islamic Center, San Diego today acted upon cues that centered around anti-Muslim tropes,” said Salam Al-Marayati, President and Co-founder of MPAC.

“We need to fight that hatred with knowledge and combat the fires of violence with the reservoirs of spiritual uplifting.”

MPAC calls on federal, state, and local leaders to immediately condemn this attack and take urgent steps to address rising anti-Muslim hate. We sincerely thank all of the government officials, community leaders, and our fellow Americans who have already done so. It goes a long way to help ensure everyone’s safety and demonstrate a collective zero-tolerance policy for hate-fueled violence. We urge law enforcement to continue to fully investigate this shooting as a hate crime and examine any ideological influences involved.

MPAC continues to work closely with local leaders. As of April 20, we launched monthly security bulletins and quarterly briefings for mosques nationwide. We encourage mosques and other American Muslim institutions around the country to register for our Security Bulletin and to report any incidents here. We will work tirelessly to advocate for everyone’s safety, no matter their background. 

We remain committed to supporting impacted communities and strengthening security preparedness. We stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the San Diego community during this devastating time.