FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ICNA Council for Social Justice Condemns Deadly Shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego

May 18, 2026

The ICNA Council for Social Justice is heartbroken and outraged by the fatal shooting today at the Islamic Center of San Diego — an attack that claimed the lives of at least three Muslim worshippers and endangered children who were attending classes while school was in session.

Among those killed was security guard Amin Abdullah, whose heroic actions are credited with preventing further loss of life.

According to authorities, the San Diego Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are investigating the incident as a hate crime. The suspects were later found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside their vehicle, where Islamophobic writings were reportedly discovered.

“The mosque is a safe place for all people. Mosques do not restrict entrance, because all people are allowed to seek refuge within their walls. Mosques are places of peace for all people, across all religious denominations. To see the sanctity of a place of worship violated is painful for all Muslims, and a stark reminder of the danger that our community is facing as Islamophobic sentiment grows more every single year. We demand accountability — not just from the perpetrators, but from every public figure whose rhetoric created the soil in which this violence was grown.”

— Imam Khalid Griggs, Communications Director, ICNA Council for Social Justice

The ICNA Council for Social Justice warns that anti-Muslim hate and Islamophobic incidents are increasing at an alarming rate across the United States. Earlier this year, a far-right protest was livestreamed outside the East Plano Islamic Center, and a mosque in Palm Beach County was set on fire. Anti-Muslim rhetoric and fearmongering by public figures continue to fuel hostility and violence targeting Muslim communities nationwide.

ICNA Council for Social Justice Demands:

1. The Department of Justice open a full federal hate crime investigation and prosecute all responsible parties to the fullest extent of the law.
2. Congress pass comprehensive federal legislation protecting houses of worship, including specific protections for mosques and Islamic institutions.
3. Elected officials who have used anti-Muslim rhetoric be publicly censured by their colleagues. Silence in the face of hatred is complicity.
4. The Department of Homeland Security immediately expand the Nonprofit Security Grant Program so that every mosque, Islamic school, and Muslim community center has access to meaningful security resources.
5. Donald Trump issue an unambiguous and unequivocal condemnation of anti-Muslim hatred without deflection or equivocation.

The ICNA Council for Social Justice stands in complete solidarity with the congregation of the Islamic Center of San Diego, the family of Brother Amin Abdullah, and every Muslim in America questioning their safety in this moment.

We want our communities to know: you are not alone. We will continue this fight.

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) strongly condemns President Donald Trump’s reckless and inflammatory remarks threatening war crimes against Iranian civilians. The use of foul and profane language, combined with the mockery of Islamic religious expressions in the context of violence, is deeply offensive to Muslims worldwide and reveals a profound contempt for human life and religious dignity.

Such rhetoric dehumanizes Muslims, fuels Islamophobia, and demonstrates indifference to international humanitarian law. Threatening attacks on civilian infrastructure risks escalating conflict and endangering innocent lives.

ICNA President Br. Saad Kazmi stated: “This dangerous and inflammatory language not only mocks our faith but also endangers global peace. We call for immediate de-escalation and respect for human dignity.”

ICNA urges the U.S. Congress to immediately reconvene from recess and exercise its constitutional authority to prevent unilateral escalation into broader war. Lawmakers must prioritize diplomacy over saber-rattling and reassert oversight on military actions.

ICNA calls on all people of conscience to reject hatred, mockery of faith, and threats against civilians. True peace requires restraint and respect for religious dignity.

The ICNA Council for Social Justice welcomes the release of Palestinian activist Leqaa Kordia from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody after more than a year in detention related to her participation in Gaza-related campus protests.

ICNA CSJ appreciates the efforts of civil rights advocates, legal teams, community leaders, and elected officials who raised concerns about her prolonged detention and called for due process and fairness. Their advocacy highlights the importance of protecting constitutional rights, including freedom of speech and the right to peaceful protest.

Prolonged detention connected to political expression raises serious civil liberties concerns. Immigration enforcement must not be used in ways that discourage lawful dissent or penalize individuals for exercising their First Amendment rights.

ICNACSJ is encouraged that Ms. Kordia can now reunite with her family while continuing to pursue her legal case. We remain committed to defending civil liberties, protecting immigrant communities, and promoting justice for all.

Media Contact:
ICNA Council for Social Justice
www.icnacsj.org

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 2/28/26) – ICNA CSJ Action today condemned the Trump administration’s launch of “Operation Epic Fury” — a large-scale, joint U.S.-Israeli military assault on the Islamic Republic of Iran — as an unconstitutional act of war carried out without congressional authorization and in direct violation of the War Powers Resolution of 1973.

CSJ Action is calling on all Americans to immediately contact the White House and their members of Congress to demand an end to this illegal war of choice and to support the bipartisan Khanna-Massie War Powers Resolution (H.Con.Res.38) in the House and Senator Tim Kaine’s War Powers Resolution (S.J.Res.59) in the Senate.

Tell Congress: No unauthorized war with Iran.

The ICNA Council for Social Justice (CSJ) condemns two targeted acts of violence against Muslim communities during Ramadan and calls for immediate federal hate crime investigations.

On February 23, Imam Shuaib Din of the Utah Islamic Center in West Jordan survived a premeditated shooting when a masked gunman fired eight shots at his vehicle outside his home as he left for evening prayers. He was unharmed. ICNA National President Saad Kazmi stated, “What happened to Imam Shuaib Din is an attack on every Muslim in America who prays, leads, and serves their community openly. We demand full federal accountability.”

On February 22, multiple shots were fired into the Pike County Islamic Center in Westfall Township, Pennsylvania, hours after taraweeh prayers. Four bullets struck the six-month-old mosque. No injuries were reported. While local authorities are investigating, CSJ is urging the DOJ and FBI to pursue charges under federal hate crime statutes.

CSJ Executive Director Dr. Arif Mannan stated, “We are calling on the DOJ and FBI to treat these attacks as federal hate crimes and bring the full force of federal law to bear on those who target houses of worship.”

Washington D.C. – February 20, 2026 – The ICNA Council for Social Justice (ICNA CSJ) proudly joins the international community in marking World Day of Social Justice, under the theme “Renewed Commitment to Social Development and Social Justice.” This observance calls for renewed efforts to eradicate poverty, advance equality, promote fair labor, and ensure inclusion for all—principles deeply aligned with ICNA CSJ’s mission to facilitate assertive Muslim involvement in advocating for the rights of the poor and oppressed in the United States.

ICNA CSJ advances justice through key focus areas including civic engagement, criminal justice reform, homelessness prevention, Muslim prisoner support, and broader efforts against Islamophobia, bullying, and racial inequity. These initiatives empower communities, educate on rights, and drive measurable change, reaching over 1 million people nationwide through events, petitions, and volunteer action.

The Quran instructs: “O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah, even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both.” (Quran 4:135)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “The best jihad is a just word spoken to an unjust ruler.” (Sunan Abu Dawud)

“We call upon Muslims and allies to renew our dedication to bridging divides, uplifting the marginalized, and embodying Islamic values of compassion, equity, and dignity for every human being,” said Imam Khalid Griggs, Chairman, ICNA CSJ.

ICNA CSJ remains committed to building a just society through education, advocacy, and direct action. Join us at icnacsj.org to learn more, take action, or support ongoing campaigns.

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) mourns the passing of Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a towering figure in the struggle for civil rights, human dignity, and social justice in the United States and beyond. For decades, Rev. Jackson stood at the forefront of movements that challenged racism, poverty, war, and inequality, leaving a legacy that touched countless communities, including American Muslims.

Imam Khalid Griggs, ICNA CSJ Communications Director said Rev. Jackson “‘I am somebody, I may be poor, I may be on welfare, but I am somebody. I may be uneducated, but I am somebody.’ This is the self-affirming mantra that Jesse used effectively at the conclusion of his speeches, especially to youthful audiences.”

His unwavering defense of religious freedom, opposition to discrimination, and commitment to coalition-building fostered a climate in which Muslim communities could organize, worship, and participate more fully in American civic life. At times when Muslims faced suspicion, bias, or exclusion, he spoke with moral clarity in support of equal rights and mutual respect.

Rev. Jackson also built enduring relationships with Muslim leaders and communities in the United States and around the world. He consistently emphasized solidarity among faith traditions and recognized the importance of Muslim voices in broader struggles for justice and peace. His outreach reflected a deep belief that lasting change requires unity across racial, religious, and cultural lines.

We extend our condolences to his family, loved ones, and all who were inspired by his life and service. We pray that his legacy of courage, compassion, and principled advocacy continues to guide those working toward a more just and inclusive society.