A father of eight was killed in a shooting at a mosque in San Diego, California, on Sunday evening. The incident, which police are treating as a targeted attack, has prompted the United Kingdom to urge Washington to confront domestic extremism. The victim, identified as 50-year-old Amir Hassan, a respected member of the Islamic community, was fatally shot outside the Dar-ul-Arqam mosque after evening prayers.
He leaves behind a wife and eight children. Local authorities reported that the suspect, a 27-year-old man, was arrested shortly after the attack and is cooperating with investigators. Motive remains unclear, but officials have not ruled out a hate crime.
In a statement released on Monday, the UK Foreign Office condemned the violence and called on the United States to strengthen its efforts to combat extremism. A spokesperson said: "The United Kingdom stands with the victims of this cowardly act.
We urge our allies in Washington to take decisive steps to address the rise of domestic extremism." The shooting has drawn parallels to the 2019 attack on the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. Community leaders in San Diego have expressed shock and grief, with Imam Rashid Al-Farooqi stating: "
Amir was a pillar of our community. This is a tragic loss." The incident comes amid a broader debate in the United States about gun control and the radicalisation of individuals within its borders.
Analysts note that the UK, which has stricter gun laws and a different approach to combating extremism, has increasingly voiced concerns about the United States' handling of such threats. The investigation continues, with FBI agents assisting local police. The mosque has increased security measures, and a vigil is planned for Tuesday evening.
