Deadly Shooting at San Diego Islamic Center Under Investigation as Hate Crime

Deadly Shooting at San Diego Islamic Center Under Investigation as Hate Crime
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Authorities have released new details regarding the armed attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which left three worshippers dead and raised concerns over rising anti-Muslim violence in the United States.

The suspects, Caleb Velasquez, 18, and Ken Clark, 17, were found dead in a vehicle near the mosque after the shooting, in what authorities believe was a suicide following the attack. Investigators discovered anti-Islamic writings and materials in the vehicle, reinforcing the notion of religious animus behind the assault, according to officials from the U.S. Department of Justice. The attack began after a call from one suspect’s mother, who reported that her son was experiencing suicidal thoughts and had left home carrying multiple firearms.

The attack prompted widespread outrage, drawing attention from the United Nations. Secretary-General António Guterres described the shooting as a “despicable act” and emphasized that attacks on places of worship violate fundamental human values. He called for urgent action to combat hate speech and religious intolerance worldwide.

Religious leaders in the United States also expressed solidarity. U.S. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley extended condolences to the Muslim community, condemning all forms of religious violence and stressing the need for interfaith unity. Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom labeled the attack a terrorist act, pledging state support for the victims and the Muslim community.

Civil rights organizations have highlighted the incident amid rising anti-Muslim sentiment in the U.S. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported 8,683 anti-Muslim and anti-Arab incidents in 2025, marking the highest level of reported hate incidents in decades. The organization called for stronger protections for religious communities and places of worship.