Police in San Diego are investigating a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego as a suspected hate crime following the fatal shooting of three men by two teenage gunmen on Monday morning.
The assailants, aged 17 and 19, died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds at a location several blocks from the mosque after opening fire on those gathered at the centre. Among the victims was a security guard who reportedly played a key role in limiting the scale of the attack.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed the security guard's actions were instrumental in preventing additional loss of life. "It's fair to say his actions were heroic," Wahl said in a briefing. "Undoubtedly he saved lives today."
Police received the initial call at 11:43 local time reporting a possible suicidal teenager who had left home with firearms. Shortly after, officers responded to reports of gunfire at the mosque and found three male victims with gunshot injuries outside the entrance. The victims have not been formally identified, but one is confirmed to be the security officer, described by acquaintances as a father of eight.
Following the mosque shooting, police were alerted to further gunfire from a vehicle that had fired at a landscaper nearby. The individual was unharmed, potentially due to protective gear, though investigations remain ongoing. Police subsequently located the two suspects deceased from self-inflicted wounds in their vehicle.
Investigation into motive remains active, but authorities are treating the incident as a hate crime linked to anti-Muslim sentiment. Chief Wahl noted that writings attributed to one of the suspects contained general hate rhetoric but no explicit threats to the mosque or any individuals prior to the attack.
Prior to the shooting, police were in contact with the mother of one suspect who reported her son had left home with firearms and a vehicle, accompanied by another individual. Both were dressed in camouflage clothing. Police observed behaviour inconsistent with suicidal intent.
The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in the county and also hosts the Al Rashid School, offering religious and language education. Classes were in session at the time of the shooting, with pupils and staff undergoing lockdown procedures as police responded to the unfolding situation.
Local schools in proximity to the centre were placed on lockdown following the shooting. Community members and religious leaders condemned the attack, emphasising the mosque's role as a place of worship and peace.
California Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement condemning the violence and reaffirming the state's stance against acts of terror or intimidation targeting religious communities.
President Donald Trump described the event as a "terrible situation" and indicated that federal agencies would be reviewing the case deeply.
The FBI continues to appeal for information that could assist the ongoing investigation. Authorities are committed to thoroughly examining the circumstances and ensuring community safety following this tragic incident.
