San Diego Mosque Shooting Raises Concerns

On Monday, a tragic shooting at an Islamic center in San Diego claimed the lives of three men and has led to renewed examination of local mosques. This particular mosque previously drew attention due to its links to two of the September 11 hijackers and, more recently, to statements made by its imam regarding violence against Israel as an act of “resistance.”

The attack is being investigated as a hate crime after two teenagers, identified as Caleb Liam Vasquez, 18, and Kane Lee Clark, 17, opened fire at the mosque. They were later found dead in a vehicle nearby, apparently from self-inflicted gunshots. Reports indicate that the suspects harbored a range of neo-Nazi beliefs, evidenced by Nazi symbols, extremist writings, and manifestos expressing anti-Semitic and racially charged views.

As the investigation unfolds, there’s a renewed focus on the mosque’s contentious history. This includes previous ties to the September 11 perpetrators and the imam’s, Taha Hasan’s, radical anti-Israel comments and pro-Palestinian activities.

The Islamic Center of San Diego first attracted national scrutiny when it was discovered that September 11 hijackers Nawaf al-Hazmi and Khalid al-Mihdar had worshipped there while living in the area. There are allegations suggesting that mosque members provided various forms of support, like housing and other assistance, to the hijackers upon their arrival in Southern California. However, official reports did not conclude that the mosque or its members were involved knowingly in any conspiracy.

In the wake of the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, leading to over a thousand deaths and numerous hostages, Hasan faced backlash for comments made in sermons and on social media. He claimed the violence was rooted in a long history of “brutal Zionist occupation and genocide.”

Weeks later, he defended what he called “resistance,” emphasizing that those under occupation should not be labeled as terrorists, as they are merely defending their lives against what he termed an occupying force.

This rhetoric didn’t just appear immediately after October 7; Hasan’s statements on social media and public appearances have continually drawn eyebrows. For example, he described Israel’s actions as akin to “apartheid” and promoted boycotts against Israel in various engagements.

Furthermore, Hasan’s family has also faced scrutiny for their comments and actions against Israel. His daughter Selma has been accused of inciting hatred and promoting anti-Israel initiatives, while his wife, Laria Alari, faced significant backlash for sharing a disturbing image shortly after the Hamas attacks, leading to professional repercussions for both.

Community reactions to the mosque have intensified, especially following the events of October 7. Some local residents have expressed that tensions have escalated, particularly with nearby communities, including a Hebrew-speaking charter school. A local parent noted that while Hasan was initially viewed as a bridge-builder among diverse groups, his behavior changed, leading to feelings of hostility.