Muslim Americans Urged to Turn Grief Into Action After San Diego Mosque Attack

The two-day conference, held on Saturday and Sunday, drew nearly 25,000 participants. Speakers highlighted the bravery of the three victims, describing them as symbols of courage for the wider Muslim community amid growing Islamophobia.

Lina Masri, an attorney with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), said the victims deserved not only sympathy but also a firm commitment from the community.

She explained that the three victims — a security officer, a caretaker, and a neighbor — sacrificed their lives while trying to protect others during the attack.

Security officer Amin Abdullah reportedly exchanged gunfire with the attackers, while Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad rushed to assist victims and call emergency services.

“They protected our community’s physical spaces — our mosques, schools, children, teachers, and worshippers,” Masri said.

She added that the community must now protect its “civic space,” including:

• The right to worship
• Freedom of speech
• The right to organize
• The right to support Palestine
• The right to build institutions

Call for Political and Civic Mobilization

A central theme of the conference was that Muslim Americans can no longer afford to remain passive in the face of hatred and discrimination.

Speakers urged attendees to:

• Vote for candidates and institutions supportive of Muslim Americans
• Organize politically and socially
• Donate to community causes
• Hold public officials accountable
• Speak out against Israeli actions in Gaza

Masri said solidarity with Gaza requires more than grief.

“We need a vocal stance that cannot be intimidated into silence,” she said.

Palestinian symbols were visible throughout the convention, including watermelon-themed artwork, Palestinian flags, keffiyeh scarves, T-shirts, and water bottles.

At a charity marketplace featuring dozens of vendors, participants wrote messages of solidarity on a tent that humanitarian organization Life for Relief and Development plans to send to Gaza.

Islamophobia and Gaza Linked, Speakers Say

During speeches and panel discussions, activists argued that anti-Muslim rhetoric in the United States is closely connected to reactions over Israel’s actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Lebanon.

Speakers identified right-wing commentator Laura Loomer and Congressman Randy Fine among the most outspoken promoters of anti-Muslim rhetoric in the United States. Both are considered close allies of former President Donald Trump.

The Trump administration has also intensified efforts to deport non-citizens who criticize Israel, according to speakers at the conference.

Altaf Hussain, a professor at Howard University School of Social Work, told Al Jazeera that anti-Palestinian voices are trying to intimidate Muslims into silence.

“They want to shut this down,” Hussain said. “So there is a direct connection.”

He added that the large turnout at the ICNA conference demonstrated that the Muslim community “is not afraid and will not retreat.”

Increased Security After Attack

Following the San Diego attack, the Muslim community has reportedly raised more than $3.5 million for the victims’ families and strengthened security measures at Islamic institutions.

ICNA President Saad Kazmi said organizers implemented a three-layer security system for the Baltimore convention, including:

• Internal security personnel
• Private security contractors
• Local law enforcement support

Kazmi acknowledged that Islamophobia and immigration crackdowns under the Trump administration have increased anxiety within the Muslim community. However, he stressed that Muslim Americans must respond proactively and work alongside people of conscience beyond political divisions.