Three Dead Following Shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego

Photo courtesy of The Chicago Tribune.

On May 18, 2026, at approximately 11:45 a.m., San Diego police responded to reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD) in Clairemont. Upon arriving at the scene, officers identified three deceased victims. The suspects were later discovered dead in their vehicles from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

The suspected shooters, ages 17 and 19, and as stated by San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, had past involvement in “generalized hate rhetoric.” Investigators are currently working to determine the shooters’ motives, and are reviewing a 75-page document allegedly posted online by the suspects.

According to NBC, the three victims were identified as Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nader Awad. Abdullah was a security guard at the mosque and exchanged gunfire with the suspects. Because school was in session at the mosque at the time of the shooting, police say his actions prevented the shooters from reaching children on campus. Kaziha, who worked as a cook, handyman, and caretaker at the ICSD, and Awad, the husband of a teacher at the mosque, were both killed in the parking lot.

On May 19, Chancellor Khosla sent an email to all students and staff condemning the shooting at the ICSD. According to the Chancellor, the UC San Diego Police Department also dispatched police to the scene.

“We are all shocked and saddened by the senseless shooting yesterday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which tragically took several lives,” the Chancellor stated. “The Islamic Center is located in the nearby Clairemont neighborhood and serves as the place of worship for many members of the UC San Diego community and their families. We know that many of our students, faculty and staff are directly affected.”

The ICSD also released a statement following the shooting, writing, “The Islamic Center of San Diego is heartbroken by the tragic shooting that occurred on our campus.”

The Triton encourages any students or staff affected by the tragedy to seek help at UCSD Counseling and Psychological Services. Community members may also donate at the ICSD Victim & Family Support Fund.