San Diego Mosque Shooting Kills Three, Investigated as Hate Crime

Three men were killed in a shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 18, 2026. Authorities identified the victims as security guard Amin Abdullah and congregants Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad. The two suspects, ages 17 and 18, were later found dead in a nearby vehicle.

Diego police said the attack is being investigated as a hate crime. Imam Taha Hassane of the Islamic Center of San Diego told CBS News on May 19 that the shooting occurred while the center's Al Rashid School was in session. No students or staff were injured.

Hassane credited Abdullah with preventing further casualties. He said Abdullah's actions kept the suspects from reaching classrooms. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described Abdullah's response as heroic and said it saved lives.

Hassane said his community has seen a rise in Islamophobia and anti-Muslim sentiment in recent years. He noted that the mosque serves a large portion of San Diego's Muslim population of more than 100,000. Hassane added that he has received messages of support from multiple faith communities.

Kaziha had been a congregant since the mosque was founded about 40 years ago. Awad was the husband of a teacher at the Al Rashid School. Hassane called the three victims heroes who sacrificed their lives to protect the community. Hassane said the attack was unexpected and that the community will continue its activities.

He stated that the incident will not stop members from participating in civic and political life or building ties with other faith groups.