Standing in Solidarity: The IMFC Condemns the Attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego

The International Multi-Faith Coalition (IMFC) is deeply saddened and outraged by the active shooter incident that occurred today at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Our hearts break for the victims, their families, and the entire Muslim community in San Diego who have had their sanctuary of peace shattered by senseless violence. We mourn the tragic loss of life, including the brave security guard who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the congregation.

At the IMFC, our core mission is simple yet profound: "To Restore Sacrosanctity to all Houses of Worship - We Are Family - Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others." Today, that sacrosanctity was violated. A house of worship should be a place of refuge, prayer, and community. It must never be a place of fear or bloodshed.

Bishop Guillermo A. Ahumada, President of the IMFC, issued a strong statement condemning the attack and calling for unity across all faiths:

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim brothers and sisters at the Islamic Center of San Diego during this dark hour. An attack on one house of worship is an attack on all of us. The IMFC unequivocally condemns this horrific act of violence. No hate against houses of worship should be tolerated in today's society. We must rise above the forces that seek to divide us through fear and violence, and instead, cling tightly to the Golden Rule—treating others with the compassion, dignity, and respect we all deserve."

The Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County, has long been a pillar of faith and community service. The fact that this attack occurred while children were present at the nearby Al Rashid School only deepens the tragedy and underscores the urgent need to protect our sacred spaces.

This is not the first time the San Diego community has faced such darkness. We remember the pain of the 2019 attacks on the Chabad of Poway synagogue and the arson at the Dar-ul-Arqam Mosque. These recurring acts of violence against religious institutions remind us that our work to build bridges of understanding is more critical now than ever.

The IMFC calls upon people of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds to unite in prayer and action. We must reject hatred in all its forms and work tirelessly to ensure that every individual can practice their faith freely and safely. We urge our community leaders, law enforcement, and citizens to work together to protect our houses of worship and to foster an environment where religious freedom and mutual respect are fiercely guarded.

To the congregation of the Islamic Center of San Diego: You are not alone. The IMFC and the broader interfaith community stand with you in grief, in prayer, and in unwavering solidarity. We are family, and we will face this tragedy together.

Let us honor the victims by rededicating ourselves to the pursuit of peace, understanding, and the protection of all sacred spaces.