[Episcopal News Service] San Diego Bishop Susan Brown Snook issued a statement calling for prayers and peace after a May 18 shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in California left five people dead, including the two suspects.
“I ask that we all keep the people affected in our prayers and that we pray and work for an end to gun violence in our country,” Snook said in her statement. “Far too often in our society, people use violence as a means of expressing anger and disagreement with their neighbors.”
Shortly before noon on May 18, two male teenagers opened fire inside the Islamic Center, the largest mosque in San Diego, killing three men, including a security guard.
Two hours before the attack, the mother of one of the suspects called police to report that her son drove off with her vehicle and three weapons.
The attack is being investigated as a hate crime.
The suspects were found dead of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside a vehicle near the mosque, according to San Diego police. A suicide note with writings about racial pride was found.
Snook announced in a separate message that an interfaith vigil will take place at 6:30 p.m. Pacific May 19 at Lindbergh Park near the Islamic Center. Clergy are asked to wear white stoles “as a sign of prayerful witness in the midst of grief.”
“I invite all who are able to join us as a visible witness of compassion and solidarity with our interfaith partners and the wider Muslim community,” Snook said. “In moments like this, our presence matters. Simply standing beside our neighbors in prayer and mourning is a powerful testimony to the dignity of every human being and to our shared commitment to peace.”
In her May 18 statement, Snook also invited Episcopalians to wear orange clothing on June 7 in observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Month.
“May our prayers move us ever deeper into the work of healing, compassion, and peace,” she said.