(PHILADELPHIA, PA – 5/19/2026) — The Philadelphia and Pittsburgh chapters of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, together making CAIR-Pennsylvania (CAIR-PA) tonight demanded that politicians end their “campaign of hate” targeting American Muslims after today’s deadly shooting attack at a San Diego mosque.
SEE: Teenage gunmen open fire on San Diego mosque, killing 3 men and then themselves
Law enforcement authorities reportedly identified Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, as the suspects in the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego and “are examining possible anti-Islamic writings found in the car where police found the dead suspects.”
According to the New York Times: “Investigators recovered anti-Islamic writing in the car, according to two law enforcement officials briefed on the matter who were not authorized to share details publicly. Before the shooting, one of the two suspects took a firearm from his parents’ house and left a suicide note, the officials said. The words ‘hate speech’ were written on one of the firearms used in the attack.”
Earlier yesterday, CAIR-PA condemned the attack and representatives from CAIR’s Pennsylvania’s offices updated mosque leaders throughout the day.
In a statement, CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed said:
“Muslim communities across Pennsylvania and the nation are grieving, but they are also exhausted by the repeated dehumanization directed at our communities. We urge elected officials, law enforcement agencies, faith leaders, and civil society institutions to speak with moral clarity against Islamophobia and all forms of hate. Protecting the safety and dignity of religious minorities must be a shared American value, not a partisan issue. Numerous politicians have spent the past year claiming that all ‘mainstream Muslims’ should be destroyed, that American mosques and elementary schools should be shut down, and that American Muslims should be expelled from our nation. Just last week, House Republicans held a congressional hearing to fan the flames of hate against American Muslims, their houses of worship and even Muslim school children.”
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu added:
“Our hearts are with the victims, their families, and the entire San Diego Muslim community mourning this horrific act of violence. No American should fear being targeted while praying in their house of worship or sending their children to an Islamic school. This tragedy did not emerge in a vacuum. For months, we have witnessed public officials, including elected Pennsylvania representatives, media personalities, and online extremists normalize anti-Muslim rhetoric and portray American Muslims as threats rather than neighbors and fellow citizens. Words have consequences, and our leaders must reject hatred before more innocent lives are lost.”
Also yesterday, CAIR’s Texas chapter (CAIR-TX) joined with a number of Dallas-Fort Worth Muslim organizations in calling for an end to the hateful rhetoric and fear-mongering by some Texas politicians.
Last week, CAIR commended Democratic members of Congress who defended American Muslims and constitutional religious freedom during a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing on “Sharia law.” CAIR also condemned Republican members and witnesses for promoting anti-Muslim fearmongering and dangerous smear tactics amid rising anti-Muslim hate incidents nationwide.
CAIR offers a “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet to help keep religious facilities safe. The advice in the booklet is applicable to all houses of worship. The organization encourages all mosques, Islamic schools, and community institutions to review their safety plans, remain vigilant, and report any threats, harassment, or suspicious activity to local law enforcement and their local CAIR-PA Office.
CAIR-Philadelphia and CAIR-Pittsburgh are two chapters of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Their mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Pittsburgh Executive Director Christine Mohamed, cmohamed@cair.com; CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Ahmet Tekelioglu, atekelioglu@cair.com, 617-401-5397
