Lawmakers Call For Action On Islamophobia Following San Diego Tragedy

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India-West News Desk

SAN DIEGO, CA – Federal law enforcement and justice officials are leading the investigation into a deadly mass shooting at San Diego’s largest house of worship, working alongside local authorities to probe the attack as a possible hate crime.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the FBI San Diego field office immediately deployed to the scene following the tragedy. “All resources will be made available to assist local partners, and we will update the public as we’re able,” Patel said. At the U.S. Department of Justice, Harmeet Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, emphasized that the federal government is heavily involved in the coordinated response. “The DOJ will not tolerate attacks on any house of worship in America,” Dhillon stated.

The shooting took place May 18 at the Islamic Center of San Diego, leaving three people dead and several others injured. Among those killed was a mosque security guard who tragically lost his life while confronting the attackers. According to media reports, law enforcement officials have identified the suspected shooters as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vasquez. Both teenagers were later found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

The attack has sparked widespread condemnation from Indian American lawmakers, who are calling for immediate action against Islamophobia and religious violence.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) expressed her grief over the tragedy, demanding a unified stance against bigotry. “I am devastated to see the news of this deadly attack on a mosque in San Diego. Our places of worship should be safe spaces for all people,” Jayapal wrote on X. She added, “We must all stand up and condemn this attack and all forms of Islamophobia, racism, and hatred that are on the rise in our communities.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA) said he was “horrified” by the shooting and emphasized that the freedom to practice one’s faith safely is a fundamental right. “Every human being has the right to worship in peace, safe from hate and violence,” Khanna said in a statement posted on X.

Describing the shooting as “a horrific act of hate,” Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) insisted that anti-Muslim sentiment must be directly confronted across the country. “No one should fear violence because of how they worship. Anti-Muslim hate has no place in America, and we must confront it wherever it exists,” Krishnamoorthi said.

Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) stated that his office is closely monitoring developments related to the active investigation. “We have a duty to protect the right of every person in our nation to pray and worship in peace,” Bera said, adding that he and his wife Janine were keeping the victims, their families, and the broader Muslim community “in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

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