Nine-year-old saw 'bad stuff' during California mosque attack — Tuesday 19 May 2026A nine-year-old boy described hiding in a classroom after gunfire erupted at a Southern California mosque that doubles as a school for local children. Odai Shanah, whose mother fled war-torn Gaza and settled in the region two decades ago, was among dozens of students ordered to shelter in place during the attack. The incident has shaken families in the tight-knit community east of Los Angeles, where many immigrant households have built new lives after escaping conflict overseas. Local authorities responded quickly to the shooting, securing the site and launching an investigation into the motive and the suspect. Witnesses, including young students like Odai, later recounted hearing loud shots and being rushed indoors by teachers and parents. The boy told reporters he saw “bad stuff” that day, a reminder of how violence can reach even the quiet spaces where families seek safety and community. The attack has renewed discussions across California about protecting houses of worship and schools serving diverse populations. Muslim leaders in the area have called for increased security funding and community support, noting that incidents targeting mosques remain a persistent concern in the United States. For families like the Shanahs, who arrived seeking stability, the event underscores ongoing challenges balancing safety with the everyday routines of American life.Watch the full video from Reuters below.