US politicians condemn San Diego mosque shooting and rise in Islamophobia

Political leaders across the United States have condemned the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, with officials warning against rising hatred targeting Muslim communities.

Gavin Newsom, the governor of California, said he and his wife were “horrified by today’s violent attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where families and children gather, and neighbors worship in peace and fellowship.”

“Worshippers anywhere should not have to fear for their lives. Hate has no place in California, and we will not tolerate acts of terror or intimidation against communities of faith,” he wrote on X.

Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, also condemned the attack in a post on X.

“Islamophobia endangers Muslim communities across this country. We must confront it directly and stand together against the politics of fear and division”, he wrote.

US Senator Lindsey Graham and California Representative Zoe Lofgren also criticised the shooting.

Authorities are treating the attack as a possible hate crime after gunmen opened fire at the mosque earlier this week, killing multiple people, including a security guard who witnesses say died protecting worshippers and children inside the building.