Ex-Muslims of North America (EXMNA) strongly condemns the recent shooting at the San Diego Islamic Center, which claimed the lives of three people.
A motive for this heinous attack has not yet been confirmed. However, police have described a note left by one of the alleged shooters as containing “generalized hate rhetoric” and “writings about racial pride.” While we have strong fundamental disagreements with Islam (and all claims unsupported by evidence), EXMNA has always stood firmly against anti-Muslim bigotry and violence in all forms. It is inexcusable that individuals peacefully practicing their religion would be targeted with such barbaric violence in a free society.
The age of the alleged perpetrators, now dead by apparent suicide, should additionally alarm us all. Reportedly in their late teens, the attackers appear to have been motivated by violent impulses as self-destructive as they were hateful.
The nation must be of one voice in condemning this act of targeted violence against Muslims. We mourn Amin Abdullah, a heroic security guard for the Islamic Center who intervened in the situation and saved lives, along with Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, who acted to protect children inside the Center. We extend our condolences to their families and loved ones in this time of grief.