California Awards $80 Million to Protect Houses of Worship After San Diego Mosque Attack

Following 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. The funding is intended to enhance security measures at houses of worship and other high-risk community sites.

Of the grant recipients, 228 are faith-based groups, while others include reproductive health clinics. The funds will support security upgrades such as reinforced doors and gates, high-intensity lighting, alarm systems, surveillance and 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.' The attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 19, 2026, left multiple victims and has prompted a statewide response to bolster security at vulnerable locations.