Muslim American organisations have blamed the rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric and the mainstreaming of hate speech following a deadly shooting at a mosque in the United States.
Community leaders and advocacy groups said increasingly hostile political discourse and online extremism have contributed to growing threats against Muslims and Islamic institutions across the country. The attack has renewed fears over the safety of worshippers and the spread of Islamophobic rhetoric in public debate.
The shooting took place at a mosque where worshippers had gathered for prayers, investigations later showing it as an islamaphobic hate crime
attack. Muslim groups said the incident reflects a wider climate of hostility fuelled by inflammatory language targeting minorities and immigrants.
Several organisations called on political leaders and media figures to take greater responsibility for rhetoric they say normalises hatred and encourages violence. Civil rights advocates also urged stronger protections for religious communities facing threats and harassment.
The incident has sparked renewed discussions in the United States over hate crimes, extremism and the impact of divisive political language on minority communities.
Here are some of the political figures and public personalities who have faced criticism over anti-Muslim statements and rhetoric in recent years:
President Donald Trump has previously faced criticism over anti-Muslim rhetoric, including comments targeting Somali migrants.
Congressman Randy Fine sparked outrage after comparing Muslims to dogs.
Far-right commentator Laura Loomer was criticised after referring to the mosque victims as “killers” and calling for worshippers to be investigated by ICE and the FBI.
Congressman Brandon Gill previously posted calls for “no more Muslim immigration”.
Republican candidate Valentina Gomez has become known for anti-Muslim videos online, including footage showing Quran burnings.
Representative Andy Ogles faced backlash after stating that Muslims “don’t belong here”.
Australian senator Pauline Hanson has repeatedly made controversial remarks about Islam, including saying there are “no good Muslims”.
British far-right activist Tommy Robinson has organised anti-Muslim protests and claimed Islam itself is “the problem”, while also saying he would remove Muslims from the UK if he were prime minister.
Other political figures and commentators have described Islam as a “violent ideology” and claimed “the enemy is inside our territory”, comments heavily criticised by civil rights groups and Muslim organisations.
Reports surrounding the San Diego Islamic Center shooting stated the attacker had anti-Islamic writings on his weapon, raising concerns over whether repeated anti-Muslim rhetoric is contributing to extremist violence. Many Muslim groups also argue the so-called “War on Terror” became, in practice, a war against Islam that devastated Muslim-majority countries and contributed to millions of deaths and widespread instability across Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen amongst others.
