(ATLANTA, GA – 5/19/2026) — The Georgia chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-GA) today strongly condemned the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that left multiple people dead and injured in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate-motivated attack.
According to law enforcement, the shooting occurred shortly before midday prayer on Monday at the largest mosque in San Diego County. Among those killed was a security guard who reportedly acted heroically to help protect worshippers and children inside the mosque’s school. Authorities say evidence recovered from the suspects indicates extremist anti-Muslim rhetoric, and the incident is being investigated as a hate crime.
See: San Diego Mosque Shooting: What to Know About the Suspects and What Happened – The New York Times
In a statement, CAIR-GA Executive Director Azka Mahmood shares:
“We are heartbroken and outraged by the horrific attack targeting Muslim worshippers and students at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the entire San Diego Muslim community as they navigate unimaginable grief and trauma. Every person deserves to feel safe while praying, learning, and gathering in their house of worship.
“This tragedy is another painful reminder of the dangerous consequences of rising Anti-Muslim hate, and violent extremism in our country. Muslim communities should not have to live in fear simply for practicing their faith. Members of the Georgia delegation are on the so-called “anti-Sharia Caucus”. Local candidates running for office routinely share the location of Georgia mosques online in a threatening and menacing manner with calls for hate.
“We urge elected officials, community leaders, and media institutions to reject rhetoric that dehumanizes Muslims and marginalized communities and instead work collectively to protect the safety and dignity of all people. To our Georgia Muslim community, we urge caution and vigilance against similar attacks.”
CAIR-GA also expresses gratitude to first responders and community members who acted quickly during the attack and calls on federal and local authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation and ensure accountability for any hate-motivated violence connected to the attack.
CAIR-GA stands in solidarity with the San Diego Muslim community and all communities impacted by hate-based violence.
CONTACT: Azka Mahmood, CAIR-Georgia Executive Director, [email protected], Eman Jibrel, Communications Manager CAIR-Georgia, [email protected]