LDF Statement on Islamic Center Shooting in San Diego

Yesterday, a deadly mass shooting occurred at the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing five people, including two teenage suspects. San Diego's police chief said the violence was being investigated as a possible hate crime. Legal Defense Fund (LDF) President and Director-Counsel Janai Nelson issued the following statement in response:

"We are deeply saddened and outraged by yesterday's shooting at San Diego's largest mosque. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who lost their lives, as well as to the members of the Islamic Center of San Diego community, who are now left to navigate unimaginable grief and fear for their safety.

"In the wake of this tragedy, we must support and uplift each other - and we also must take a stand. We condemn this hate-fueled act, which unfortunately continues a deplorable pattern of targeted violence against racial and religious groups. Amid rising reports of Islamophobia in the United States, this shooting is a chilling reminder that violence and hate are clear, present, and growing dangers that must be confronted head on.

"We stand in solidarity with Muslim communities and call upon leaders across the state and country to uniformly condemn this shooting. Leaders and lawmakers must commit to the urgent work of building a country where no person fears for their safety because of their faith or identity."

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Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation's first civil rights legal organization. LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957, though it was founded under the leadership of Thurgood Marshall while he was at the NAACP. LDF's Thurgood Marshall Institute (TMI) is a division of LDF that undertakes innovative research and houses LDF's archive. In all media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF (do not include NAACP) and refer to the Institute as LDF's Thurgood Marshall Institute or TMI.