California Awards $80 Million for Security at Places of Worship After San Diego Mosque Shooting

In response to the deadly terrorist attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego earlier this month, Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that California is awarding $80 million to 343 nonprofit organizations through the California Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Of the recipients, 228 are faith-based groups, and others include reproductive health clinics.

The funds will support security upgrades such as reinforced doors and gates, high-intensity lighting, alarm systems, surveillance, access controls, and emergency preparedness enhancements. "Hate and violence have no place in California," Newsom said.

"By investing in critical security upgrades, we are leading the nation in protecting places of worship and high-risk communities, strengthening preparedness, and ensuring every Californian can gather safely and without fear." On May 18, two suspects shot and killed three men at the Islamic Center of San Diego before fleeing and fatally shooting themselves. The victims—mosque security guard Amin Abdullah, 51, and congregation members Nadir Awad, 57, and Mansour Kaziha, 78—"sacrificed their lives to protect the entire community inside the Islamic Center of San Diego," said Imam Taha Hassane.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl noted that Abdullah's quick actions, including initiating a lockdown and engaging the attackers, "without a doubt delayed, distracted and ultimately deterred these two shooters from gaining access to the greater areas of the mosque, where as many as 140 kids were within 15 feet." The state is also making victim support resources available through the California Victim Compensation Board, covering medical costs, mental health treatment, lost wages, funeral expenses, and other crime-related costs. An additional $40 million has been included in the revised budget to continue supporting organizations facing heightened threats, including churches, synagogues, mosques, and LGBTQ+ groups.

San Diego County organizations receiving funding include Chabad Oceanside, Downtown, Poway, two Chabads of East County, Congregation Beth Israel, Chinese Community Church, Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Mesa, Church of The Resurrection in Escondido, Girl Scouts San Diego, Neighborhood Healthcare 488, and the North County LGBTQ Resource Center. Applications are available online and in paper form in 18 languages.

Victims can also receive assistance through the San Diego Victim Witness Assistance Center.