San Diego Imam Reports Rise in Islamophobia

Imam Taha Hassane of the Islamic Center of San Diego spoke to CBS News about increasing anti-Muslim sentiment following a shooting that killed three people at his mosque. Hassane noted his community has observed a rise in white supremacist activity in San Diego and across the United States in recent years. The Council on American-Islamic Relations received 8,683 civil rights complaints nationwide in 2023—the highest number since the organization began tracking them in 1996.

The shooting’s victims—Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nader Awad—died when two suspects opened fire at the center. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime.

Abdullah, a security guard, is credited with preventing the shooters from reaching classrooms at the Al Rashid School, which was in session. Kaziha had been a long-time congregant, and Awad rushed toward the danger to help.

Hassane said San Diego’s Muslim population exceeds 100,000. He acknowledged the trauma, but expressed confidence his community will rebuild and continue its civic engagement.