Global Muslim Groups Warn Against Normalizing Islamophobia After San Diego Attack

Global Muslim Groups Warn Against Normalizing Islamophobia After San Diego Attack
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A coalition of international Muslim advocacy organizations has warned that anti-Muslim hatred is becoming increasingly normalized across borders, following a deadly attack targeting the Muslim community in San Diego.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, CAIR, said it joined Muslim organizations from the United States, Canada, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe in issuing a joint statement condemning Islamophobia and praising three men who lost their lives while defending hundreds of schoolchildren.

The coalition said details of the attack showed the transnational nature of anti-Muslim extremism, noting that the attackers were reportedly inspired by previous mosque and anti-Muslim attacks in Christchurch, Quebec City, London in Canada, and other sites of violence.

CAIR Research and Advocacy Director Corey Saylor said anti-Muslim extremism had moved “from hate speech to hate violence,” adding that the attack did not happen in isolation. He criticized the lack of official condemnation of Islamophobia and said CAIR would continue pressing the U.S. government to protect all religious communities.

The statement also highlighted wider concerns in the United States, including record-high civil rights complaints received by CAIR in 2025, anti-Muslim posts by elected officials, rising public tolerance for discriminatory policies, and reported barriers facing Muslim organizations seeking federal security grants.

The coalition warned that global systems of racism, white supremacy, and dehumanization continue to fuel Islamophobic violence, calling for urgent action to protect Muslim communities and defend religious freedom.