San Diego mosque shooting: Social media decries 'dehumanising' coverage and anti-Muslim rhetoric

San Diego mosque shooting: Social media decries 'dehumanising' coverage and anti-Muslim rhetoric Submitted by Imene Guiza on Tue, 05/19/2026 - 12:46 Users criticised media framing and widespread Islamophobic speech in the wake of the deadly attack that killed three people Women hug as they wait for the children to walk out of the Islamic Center in San Diego, California, which was attacked by two gunmen on 18 May 2026 (Mike Blake/Reuters) Off A deadly attack on the biggest mosque in San Diego, California, sparked widespread reactions online, with many activists, commentators and social media users condemning the attack, and scrutinising the American political and media environment they say normalises Islamophobic rhetoric and dehumanises Muslim victims. Two teenage gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, killing three people, including a security guard. Children attending classes at the adjacent Al Rashid School were evacuated from the premises as police cleared the building.