San Diego's Muslim community has responded with calls for unity and resilience after a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, as authorities investigate the attack as a hate crime.
Two gunmen opened fire at the mosque complex on Monday, killing three people and triggering panic across the community.
Officials said the suspects were motivated by a "broad hatred" and had been radicalised online.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, which makes up less than 1 per cent of the San Diego metropolitan area, and has also prompted a strong collective response rejecting intimidation.
Thousands of people have gathered for vigils, drawing support from across California and beyond.
Community leaders have emphasised resilience and solidarity, saying the response to the attack reflects a refusal to be driven into fear.
"We will mourn, we will heal, and we will continue to stand strong," said Abdullah Tahiri, president of the Muslim Leadership Council of San Diego.
Authorities said emergency protocols and coordinated response procedures helped prevent a higher death toll, with more than 140 children and staff on the premises at the time of the shooting.
The Islamic Centre, a key hub for worship and education, has partially reopened, with daily prayers resuming while other facilities remain closed.
Push for action amid rising concerns
The attack has also intensified concerns about rising Islamophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric in the United States.
At a major Muslim conference held days later in Baltimore, attended by more than 25,000 people, speakers urged the community to turn grief into action.
"We owe them more than condolences. We owe them resolve," said Lena Masri of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Advocates called for increased civic engagement, including voting, organising and defending civil rights, while urging authorities to address hate speech and violence targeting minority communities.
Officials said the suspects, aged 17 and 18, had expressed extremist views in writings recovered by investigators.
Authorities also seized dozens of weapons linked to the attackers.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said the shooting is being investigated as a white supremacist hate crime.
Despite the attack, community leaders said the response has reinforced a sense of unity and determination to protect their rights and institutions.
