Gabby Giffords statement on shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement on a shooting that took place at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which contains a school, this afternoon. Three people were killed. Police report that two suspects were involved, and law enforcement is currently investigating the shooting as a hate crime.

“Today a horrifying shooting took place at San Diego’s largest mosque, which should be a safe haven for the city’s Muslim community,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “No one should have to fear the daily gun violence that plagues our communities, and it is especially terrible to fear being targeted based on race or religion. My heart goes out to the Muslim community in San Diego and across the country, and to the families of the three people who should have made it home today. There is no world where armed, violent hate should be tolerated.”