Waqas Ahmad has issued the following statement following the fatal shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on 18th May 2026:

"I am deeply saddened and outraged by the attack on the mosque in San Diego. An assault on any place of worship is an assault on all of us. Such violence seeks to divide communities, spread fear, and undermine the values of dignity, respect, and freedom of belief that we hold dear.

Here in Milton Keynes, our strength has always come from our unity. In the face of hatred, we stand together — Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Humanists, and all people of goodwill — united in our commitment to peace and to the safety of every community.

I call on all residents of Milton Keynes to stand shoulder to shoulder, to reject hatred in all its forms, and to reaffirm our shared belief that every person has the right to worship freely and without fear.

Today, we mourn with the Muslim community in San Diego. And here at home, we continue our work to ensure that Milton Keynes remains a city of compassion, solidarity, and unbreakable unity."

Waqas Ahmad  

Chair, Milton Keynes Council of Faiths