05/19/2026
(Columbus-Ohio, 5/18/2026) – The Ohio Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Ohio) --the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, condemns the shooting attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. We are issuing a community safety alert urging local Islamic centers and houses of worship to review and strengthen security measures.
Reports indicate that the mosque’s security guard was killed in the attack. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.
In a statement, CAIR-Ohio Executive Director for the Central and Southern Region Khalid Turaani said:
“Today’s attack is a devastating crime against a community gathered in prayer and education. We grieve with our brothers and sisters in San Diego, and we honor the security guard whose courage saved lives. A house of worship must be a sanctuary, not a target. We will mourn, we will stand together, and we will not be defined by fear.”
CAIR-Ohio is encouraging mosque leaders and community organizations to take proactive security measures, including:
1- Creating a customized security plan tailored to your mosque or community center.
2- Read and circulate: CAIR offers a “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to all houses of worship. [LINK IN BIO]
3- Report any bias incident, threat, or hate crime to us! [LINK IN BIO]
