05/20/2026
We are shocked and horrified at the tragic news out of San Diego, where three people have been murdered by teenagers who were reportedly had anti-Islamic writing and N**i symbols in their vehicle. Islamophobia is alive and real in our communities today; CAIR's National office noted that in 2025, Oklahoma was one of five states where reports of anti-Muslim bias incidents increased in each of the last three years.
In Oklahoma, anti-Muslim sentiment has been at the forefront of our community's fears. The alarming commentary during a series of hearings in Broken Arrow, where the Muslim community was denied a zoning permit to construct a community center, shows that Islamophobia is alive and well in our state. Anti-Sharia bills — found to be unconstitutional by courts across the country — have been resurrected during this election year cycle to stir up fear. Muslims are the target of candidates' negative ads, increasing the stress and anxiety felt by the Oklahoma Muslim community overall.
We extend our deepest condolences to the San Diego Muslim community and to every community whose members feel threatened, unsafe, and vulnerable in this time of rising violence. We encourage all our local Islamic institutions to take a close look at security protocols and ensure the safety of their participants. And we call on all Oklahomans, across all faith communities, to stand up against the rising tide of hatred and violence and protect peace, security, and justice for us all.
