The Mental Health Connecticut (MHC) community is deeply saddened by the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD), where recent reports indicate the deaths of three staff members, including an ICSD security guard who is being heralded as a hero, as well as the two presumed shooters, ages 17 and 19.
The ICSD, located in the heart of Clairemont, California, serves as the largest mosque in San Diego County and is a vital center for worship, education, youth services, and community support. In the midst of this tragedy, Imam Taha Hassane shared via social media that all students at the school were safe, offering some relief to families waiting anxiously for news of their young children.
MHC stands firmly against violence and hatred directed toward any individual or community. Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones, the children and staff who experienced this traumatic event, the parents who waited for reassurance, and the entire Muslim community, in San Diego and beyond. We are grateful that no students were physically harmed; however, we recognize that the emotional impact and trauma from this tragedy will continue to affect the community long after the immediate danger has passed.
Events like these have profound emotional and psychological impacts, not only on those directly affected, but also on individuals who may feel retraumatized, fearful, or overwhelmed by the news. We encourage anyone who is struggling to seek support and to check in on one another with compassion and care. If you or someone you know is having difficulty accessing mental health resources, please contact MHC at [email protected], and we will help connect you with support.
Immediate Crisis Support & Hotlines
- Naseeha Mental Health Helpline: Anonymous, toll-free peer support helpline for youth and adults: 1-866-627-3342
- Amala Muslim Youth Helpline: Confidential, nonjudgmental support line: 855-952-6252
- Muslim Coalition of Connecticut
Additional Resources
- Find a warmline
- Tips for coping through a traumatic event
- Take a mental health screen
- Crisis Text Line
- Disaster Distress Hotline: This helpline, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), provides immediate counseling for people affected by any disaster or tragedy. Call 1-800-985-5990 to connect with a trained professional from the closest crisis counseling center within the network.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available via live chat at 988lifeline.org.
