San Diego Mosque Shooting Ahead of Eid al-Adha: Mayor Says There Is No Place for Hatred
An attack on an Islamic centre in San Diego triggered waves of sympathy and strong condemnation. The deadly assault dealt a heavy blow to the local Muslim community as they prepared for Eid al-Adha, one of the most sacred occasions in the Islamic calendar.
Imam Taha Hassane of the centre expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which he said was unprecedented in the area. ‘We have never experienced a tragedy like this before,’ he said amid the wail of sirens and helicopters at the scene. ‘It is utterly appalling to target a place of worship.’
Hassane also expressed gratitude to everyone who had offered support, as well as to the local police and the FBI for swift action. ‘I also want to thank everyone who has reached out from across the country and abroad to offer condolences and to ask if there is anything they can do to help,’ he added.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was grateful that children at a school inside the complex were safe when the attack occurred and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to protecting all Muslim residents from violent threats. ‘To our local Muslim community, my prayers are with you,’ he said. ‘Hatred has no place in the city of San Diego.’
Gloria added that investigators would do whatever is necessary to fully establish the motive behind the incident and thanked the law enforcement officers who handled the emergency.
Separately, U.S. President Donald Trump, asked for comment on the shooting at a separate event, described the incident as a very bad situation. ‘I have been given a few early briefings but we will come back and look at it very carefully,’ Trump told reporters.
The attack occurred just days before Eid al-Adha. Muslims are currently in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The early days of Dhu al-Hijjah, especially the first 10 days, are considered highly sacred and spiritually significant, and the period coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage, including the Day of Arafah, believed to be the holiest day of the year.