The National Network for Arab American Communities condemns the deadly attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego and mourns with the families and community members whose lives have been shattered by this violence. We stand with the Muslim community of San Diego, and with communities across the country who are grieving and processing this moment.
This attack did not happen in a vacuum. It is the product of a political and media climate that has, for years, normalized hateful rhetoric and pursued policies targeting Muslims and Arab Americans.
While American Muslims comprise just 1.3% of the population, they continue to face organized efforts to marginalize and exclude them.
Since 2010, over 230 anti-Muslim bills have been introduced or enacted in state legislatures across the country, seeking to institutionalize discrimination and undermine constitutional rights. Thirteen states have enacted anti-Muslim laws, with legislation introduced in 31 more.
Dark money networks have funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories about Muslims and Islam.
Advocacy and research institutions continue to track increases in anti-Muslim rhetoric across social media platforms – often originating from elected officials and amplified by media networks.
Most recently, 63 members of the House have joined an anti-Muslim Congressional caucus, using fearmongering as a deliberate strategy to earn votes and donations.
These forces do not exist in isolation. The policies and systems built to target Muslim and Arab communities have broader consequences – eroding civil liberties and normalizing the use of fear and exclusion in public life.
Three people have been murdered in San Diego because a culture of emboldened hatred has gone unchallenged.
NNAAC calls on elected officials at every level, and media voices nationwide to reject that culture in word, actions and policy.