AAM and ANIC Strongly Condemn the Terrorist Attack on San Diego Mosque and Warns of Rising Threat of Islamophobia

The Alliance of Australian Muslims (AAM) and the Australian National Imams Council (ANIC) strongly condemn the horrific terrorist attack and mass shooting that recently took place at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, USA, the largest mosque in San Diego County, which has reportedly left five people dead, including members of the congregation and the suspects involved. Authorities are investigating the attack as a hate crime.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Muslim community in San Diego, USA, and all those affected by this horrific act of violence. Mosques and places of worship must remain sanctuaries of peace, safety, and reflection, not targets of hatred and terror.

The Australian Muslim community remains deeply fearful and concerned about the risk of attacks targeting Muslims, mosques, Islamic schools, and community institutions. Recent threats, hate incidents, online extremism, and rising hostility have intensified these fears.

AAM and ANIC are deeply concerned that Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred continue to be downplayed, while hostile political narratives, irresponsible commentary, and media reporting that links Muslims with extremism help normalise suspicion and hostility, increasing the risk of real-world harm.

This attack once again brings painful memories of the Christchurch Mosque massacre in New Zealand, where innocent worshippers were brutally murdered while attending prayer by an attacker who was radicalised on Australian soil. The Australian and global Muslim community continues to live with the trauma of such attacks, and many Muslims in Australia have long expressed serious concerns about the possibility of another Islamophobic terrorist attack targeting mosques or Islamic institutions.

Words matter. Public narratives matter. When Muslims are constantly portrayed through the lens of security threats or extremism, it fuels division, emboldens hate groups, and undermines social harmony.

We call upon political leaders, media organisations, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to take the growing threat of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hate seriously and work collectively to ensure the safety and protection of all faith communities.

AAM and ANIC reaffirm their solidarity with the Muslim community in the USA and all communities affected by hatred, extremism, and violence.

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