05/19/2026
On Monday, May 19, in San Diego, two armed teenagers attacked the Islamic School of the Islamic Center of San Diego. Thanks be to God, children and teachers remained safe, but three members of the community were murdered, and it appears that the attackers died of su***de.
Our first response to this tragedy must be horror and grief on all sides: mourning for the tragic loss and inexcusable escalation of fear in the U.S. Muslim community, already burdened by Islamophobia. But also, mourning for a culture in which violence is idolized, and young adults turn to hatred of their neighbors.
Many of our United Church of Christ congregations in San Diego have longstanding partnerships with the ICSD, include regular visits with youth groups and a history of community organizing with ICSD leaders, especially Imam Taha Hassane. From across the Southern California Nevada Conference: we stand with our Muslim neighbors; and we grieve with your community. There is no excuse for violence.
Today at 2:00 p.m., a press conference will be held at the Islamic Center of Los Angeles. Whether you join in person or in spirit, this afternoon or this evening, from San Diego to Paso Robles and from Long Beach to Las Vegas, let us unite our hearts and prayers for peace as we call on the One God with Many Names who invites us to imagine and co-create a beloved community where are all free from violence and oppression. Let us condemn hatred and violence in any form against our neighbors, and vigilantly advocate for freedom of religious expression.
A fund has been created by ICSD to provide direct assistance and recovery to those affected by the shootings (link in comments).
There is still time to register for our Annual Gathering, where we are grateful to welcome guest presenter Nina Fernando of Shoulder to Shoulder for an opportunity to learn about the wider context of anti-Muslim discrimination in our communities and how we can build safer, more peaceable partnerships together.
