Anti-Islamic Hate Must be Loudly Denounced and Rejected
Delray Beach, FL — Truth Wins Out’s Center Against Religious Extremism today strongly condemned the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where three adults were killed Monday and two suspected shooters were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Authorities are investigating the assault as a possible hate crime, and the reported evidence points to a horrific act of anti-Muslim violence.
According to authorities, the victims included a mosque security guard and two staff members of the Islamic school located on the center’s grounds. A landscaper working nearby was reportedly shot at but was not injured. Police said the suspects, believed to be teenagers, were found in a vehicle after the attack. Law enforcement officials have reported that one suspect left behind a suicide note containing references to racial pride, and that hate-related messages were found on one of the weapons used in the shooting.
“We unequivocally condemn this depraved attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego,” said Wayne Besen, Executive Director of Truth Wins Out. “Based on the evidence reported so far, this appears to be a hate crime directed at Muslims because of who they are, how they pray and where they gather in community. We stand with the families of the victims, the worshippers, the school staff, the children and every Muslim in San Diego who is grieving and afraid today.”
Besen said the attack is a reminder that demonizing religious minorities can have deadly consequences.
“Anti-Muslim bigotry is not harmless rhetoric,” said Besen. “It is not merely political theater or online trolling. It is a poison that can radicalize unstable people, normalize contempt and turn sacred spaces into targets.”
The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in San Diego County and houses Al Rashid Weekend School, which provides Arabic language and Islamic studies instruction.
Truth Wins Out’s Center Against Religious Extremism called on federal, state and local law enforcement to conduct a full and transparent investigation, including whether the suspects were influenced by extremist networks.
The attack comes amid a surge in anti-Muslim bias nationwide. The Council on American-Islamic Relations reported a record 8,683 complaints of discrimination and Islamophobia in 2025, underscoring the escalating climate of hostility facing American Muslims.
“Today, our message to San Diego’s Muslim community is simple: you are not alone,” Besen said. “Your grief is our grief. Your safety is a civil rights issue. Your freedom to worship is central to American democracy. Truth Wins Out will continue fighting extremism and organized hate groups that threaten pluralism and put vulnerable communities in danger.”
About Truth Wins Out
Truth Wins Out is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works to advance liberty and democracy, protect the rights of LGBTQ people and other minorities, combat religious extremism, and fight against the spread of disinformation.
Contact:
Contact Wayne Besen, Executive Director
Email: wbesen@truthwinsout.org
