NYPD heightens security at mosques after shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego
Officials say two teen suspects allegedly shot and killed three men outside the largest mosque in San Diego County.
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The NYPD said it is heightening security at mosques in New York City following a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, according to a post on X.
“While there is currently no known nexus to NYC or specific threats to NYC houses of worship, out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD is increasing deployments to mosques across the city,” the post read.
Officials say two teen suspects allegedly shot and killed three men outside the largest mosque in San Diego County.
A mosque security guard was among the dead in what is being described as a hate crime at the Islamic Center of San Diego, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said at a news conference at a neighborhood park across from the scene.
The center includes the Al Rashid School that offers courses in Arabic language, Islamic studies and the Quran for students ages 5 and up, according to its website.
Aerial TV footage showed more than a dozen children holding hands and being walked out of the parking lot of the center that is surrounded by scores of police vehicles. The white mosque is in a neighborhood of homes, apartments and strip malls with Middle Eastern restaurants and markets.
The Islamic Center’s website says its mission is to not only serve the Muslim population but also “work with the larger community to serve the less fortunate, to educate, and to better our nation.” Five daily prayers are held there, and the mosque works with other organizations and people of all faiths on social causes.
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said he was being briefed.
“We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities,” his office posted on the social platform X.
AP wires contributed to this story.
