National Muslim Leaders Address Anti-Muslim Hate and Mosque Security After San Diego Attack

National Muslim leaders convened in Baltimore to address rising anti-Muslim hate and call for enhanced security measures for houses of worship, one week after a deadly terror attack on a San Diego mosque.

The leaders, representing the US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) at the annual Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) conference, expressed solidarity with the Islamic Center of San Diego and the families of the three martyrs. They urged politicians to confront rampant anti-Muslim hate and advised mosques and Islamic schools to improve security.

Separately, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned anti-Muslim vandalism in Missouri, stating, “We strongly condemn these acts of anti-Muslim hate and intimidation targeting residents in Missouri.” CAIR urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable.

CAIR also criticized a Treasury Department subpoena targeting human rights activist Medea Benjamin, calling it “performative and politically-motivated.” CAIR said, “Weaponizing the Treasury Department to target Americans for exercising their constitutional right to support human rights is unacceptable.”

Lena Masri, a lawyer at CAIR, highlighted the sacrifices of the San Diego victims—security officer Amin Abdullah, caretaker Mansour Kaziha, and neighbor Nadir Awad—who protected the community’s physical space. Masri emphasized the broader responsibility to protect the civic space, including the rights to worship, speak, organize, and defend Palestine.