A mass shooting at a San Diego mosque on Monday has brought renewed attention to its history, notably its connection to two hijackers from 9/11. Following the violence, the current imam, Taha Hasan, voiced support for the October 7 attacks in Israel.
During the incident, two gunmen opened fire at the mosque, killing three individuals, including a security guard. The assailants later took their own lives in their vehicle.
As of now, the motive remains unclear, although the San Diego police have assured that the “threat has been neutralized.”
This mosque has made headlines in the past due to its ties to hijackers Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdar, who reportedly worshiped there and lived nearby while taking flight lessons in the area.
Imam Hasan recently faced backlash for his remarks regarding the October 7 attack. In a social media video, he stated, “This did not start last week or on October 7. This is the result of a brutal Zionist occupation and genocide.” He added that, “when people are under occupation, resistance is justified,” urging that this narrative should not be overlooked.
His family members have also attracted criticism for their statements. His wife, Selma Hassan, has been accused of inciting hate against Israel and supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Following the October 7 events, Laria Alli, another family member, allegedly shared an image with disturbing messaging, prompting further outrage.
Reports suggest that there has been growing tension between the mosque and the surrounding community, including a nearby Hebrew charter school. Local parents have described the relationship as “uncomfortable,” noting a shift in Imam Hasan’s demeanor from being “very moderate and friendly” to something more confrontational.
One parent recounted “problems” surfacing after the recent attacks, mentioning that the school displayed hostage posters that led the mosque to report vandalism to the police.
Stella Escobedo, a local journalist and mother, remarked that Hasan’s role, initially intended to unify communities, has shifted into a more hostile stance.
