Trump condemns San Diego mosque shooting: a horrifying situation
US President Donald Trump has issued a firm response to the deadly shooting that occurred at the San Diego Islamic Center in California on Monday (18 May). Trump described the incident as a very troubling tragedy. “This is an horrific situation. I have received some initial information, but we will review it very carefully,” Trump told reporters in Washington, D.C., according to Anadolu, on Tuesday (19 May).
The shooting was reported to have occurred at the campus of the largest mosque in San Diego at about 11:43 local time. Based on initial reports, at least three people were pronounced dead in the attack. One of the victims was a security officer on duty at the religious facility.
Police also found two suspects dead in a car several blocks from the scene. Authorities strongly suspect the two attackers carried out the assault as a suicide mission.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stressed that his department would not overlook the possibility of a hate crime behind the attack. Given that the incident occurred at a religious institution, the investigation is directed at the category of hate crime.
“Because it is located at the Islamic Center, we suspect this is a hate crime until everything proves otherwise,” Wahl said. He also confirmed that the mosque imam, children attending educational activities, and other residents at the site were safe.
The Director of the San Diego Islamic Center, Taha Hassane, strongly condemned the brutal act. He said the attack on a place of worship is an act that crosses the line of humanity. “It is very wrong to target a place of worship,” he said.
In step with that, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria assured safety for the entire Muslim community in his area. He stated that the city government would marshal all resources to protect religious institutions.
“I want to reassure the Muslim community that we will do everything possible to ensure you feel safe in this city. No resources will be spared to ensure our religious sites are protected in these sensitive times,” Gloria said.
Currently, intensive investigations involving local and federal authorities are ongoing to determine the exact motive behind the reckless act by the two youths. Security at several houses of worship in the San Diego area has also been tightened to anticipate similar incidents. (Fer/I-1)