'Hate Has No Place': Gavin Newsom and Zohran Mamdani Condemn Tragic San Diego Mosque Shooting

Three men were fatally shot at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, May 18, with two suspected shooters found dead in a nearby vehicle from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, according to the San Diego police.

This has caused widespread panic among the Muslim community in the region.

The incident has received attention from notable leaders, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, among others, who issued public statements against the deadly shooting.

According to The New York Times, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told reporters that the two suspects were teenagers aged 17 and 19, and were found deceased in a vehicle near the crime scene with apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Wahl said the attackers killed three adults, one of them a security guard, and also fired at a landscaper but missed.

"One of the deceased is a security guard that works there, and I think played a pivotal role in assisting from this being much worse," Wahl added.

Investigators found anti-Islamic writing in the vehicle and said one of the suspects took a firearm from his parents' home and had left a suicide note.

One of the firearms had the words "hate speech" written on it. Investigators said they were withholding additional details from the public.

The Los Angeles Police Department offered assistance and said it would increase patrols at mosques, Islamic centers and other houses of worship.

According to the BBC, two of the victims were identified as Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad.

The security guard of the mosque, who was also killed, was identified as Amin Abdullah, a father of eight.

The mosque described him as "a courageous man who put himself on the line of the safety of others, who even in his last moments did not stop protecting our community."

The suspects were later reportedly identified as Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18.

Mamdani condemned the attack on X, calling it an "apparent act of anti-Muslim violence."

He wrote, "We must confront it directly and stand together against the politics of fear and division."

Mamdani also said the New York City Police Department was increasing deployments to mosques across the city as a precaution, adding, "There are currently no known threats to NYC houses of worship."

Newsom also issued a statement regarding the attack.

"Hate has no place in California. To the San Diego Muslim community: we stand with you," he wrote, offering his "deepest condolences to the deceased's family members and community."

Social media users also shared their reactions regarding the shooting incident.

One user wrote, "Standing against hate should never depend on religion, politics, or public pressure." Another wrote, "Well done, Mr. Mayor, we are proud of you. You see how hateful and spiteful many of these people are. You can see the intentions they bear towards Muslims."

There were also some who expressed different views. Conservative commentator Laura Loomer wrote, "Islamophobia is a made up word by Muslims to erode Western Civilization. This is likely a hate crime hoax spread by Muslims who love being perpetual victims while they kill Jews and Christians everyday."

One user wrote, "Raise you 40 years of terrorist attacks by the 'religion of peace.'"

Another stated, referring to Mamdani, "You are nothing more than a terrorist. You are never outraged when Muslims kill innocent people everyday."