Deadly Shooting at Islamic Center
A shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont left five dead, including two teenage suspects, according to San Diego Police. Police Chief Scott Wahl said the department began receiving calls about an active shooter at the mosque around 11:40 am PT. Responding officers found three deceased victims outside the center, including a security guard.
The security guard, who has not been formally identified by authorities, has been hailed as a hero for protecting more than a dozen children and staff at a school inside the Islamic Center. More than $1.4 million has been raised for the family of Amin Abdullah, the security guard who was fatally shot. Police received a report of a runaway juvenile at 9:42 am Monday morning, whose mother believed he was suicidal and that several of her weapons were missing, along with her car.
Investigation as Hate Crime
Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime, with Chief Wahl stating, "there was definitely hate rhetoric involved." The two suspects, ages 17 and 18, were found dead in a vehicle a few blocks away from what appeared to be self-inflicted gunshots. Two senior law enforcement officials told NBC News that investigators are examining possible anti-Islamic writings found in the suspects’ car.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations wrote on X, "No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school." San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said more police officers will be guarding places of worship to assure residents' safety. Imam Taha Hassane said, "This is something that we have never expected to take place, but at the same time, the religious intolerance and the hate unfortunately that exist in our nation is unprecedented."
Trump IRS Lawsuit Dismissed
President Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS has been dismissed by a federal judge. The Department of Justice announced it will establish a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" as part of the settlement. The fund will compensate those who claim they were wrongly targeted under the Biden administration.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who previously served as Trump's criminal defense lawyer, will appoint a five-member commission to oversee the fund. Trump retains the right to remove any member. The money will come from the Treasury Department's Judgment Fund.
Controversy Surrounding the Fund
The fund has sparked controversy, with critics calling it an illegal "political slush fund" for Trump and his allies. A group of 93 House Democrats filed an amicus brief criticizing the settlement, calling it "collusive litigation to force the American people to put ... money into his pockets, and the pockets of his family and friends." NYU's Tax Law Center Policy Director Brandon DeBot said, "It's a breathtaking abuse of the tax and legal system."
The settlement came two days before a court-imposed deadline to explain why the case should proceed. The case was dismissed "with prejudice," which means Trump cannot refile it. The fund will cease operations on December 15, 2028, and any leftover funds will be turned over to the federal government.
International Implications
President Trump said he scrapped a planned attack on Iran at the request of Gulf allies, as "serious negotiations" on a peace deal are underway. Qatar's government said negotiations between the U.S. and Iran need more time to reach a deal. An Iranian lawmaker said any new U.S. attack on the country would be met with a "stronger response."
The funds from the "Anti-Weaponization Fund" will be disbursed until December 2028, just before the end of Trump's term.
The sources also report that the fund will be led by a five-person commission appointed by the attorney general, with Trump having the right to remove any member.