Overview
The San Diego mosque shooting, which resulted in the killing of three individuals outside an Islamic center, occurred subsequent to reports from Muslims regarding a rise in overt hatred online, political attacks, and harassment. These concerns about increasing Islamophobia had been voiced in the months preceding the incident.
Research Context
The news item positions the shooting within a broader context of reported escalating Islamophobia. Prior to the event, Muslims had identified an increase in specific forms of anti-Muslim sentiment and actions, including online expressions of hatred, politically motivated attacks, and general harassment.
Findings
- Muslims expressed alarm regarding rising Islamophobia in the months before the San Diego mosque shooting.
- This alarm was based on observations of increased overt hatred online.
- Reports also indicated a rise in political attacks against Muslims.
- Instances of harassment targeting Muslims were also noted as increasing.
- The shooting outside an Islamic center resulted in three fatalities.