Three people have been killed in a shooting at a mosque in San Diego, California, which officials believe was perpetrated by two teenage attackers. The attack took place on Monday morning as officers were investigating a call about a possibly suicidal teen who had run away from home. Police were alerted to the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego and found three victims who had been shot in the front of the building.
Shortly afterwards, they received another call that shots had been fired nearby from a vehicle at a landscaper. Officers found the suspects—ages 17 and 18—dead of self-inflicted wounds in a vehicle not far from the mosque. Among the deceased victims was a security guard who worked at the center and heroically prevented more people from dying, officials said.
The incident is being investigated as a hate crime, according to the FBI, because of writings found by the mother of one suspect. Police were first called to the mosque at 11:43 local time and observed what appeared to be three deceased victims out front, said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl during a news conference.
Wahl confirmed that there were no officers involved in firing their weapons and no signs of an active gunman at the mosque. About two hours before the attack, the mother of one of the suspects had reported to police that her son had left home with several of her guns and her car, stating he had gone with a companion, both dressed in camouflage. The behavior of the suspects appeared “not consistent” with someone considered suicidal, according to police.
A note left behind by the youth allegedly included generalized hate rhetoric and hate speech but contained no specific threats. Investigators went to a local high school, where one of the teens was a student, as well as a shopping mall where the car had been seen.
As the investigation continues, police are working to determine the motive behind the attack, which they believe might be related to the mosque's prominence in the community. This tragic event occurred just days before Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic holiday, prompting strong condemnation from community leaders, including Imam Taha Hassane, who stated, It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed horror at the violent attack, emphasizing that the state will not tolerate acts of terror against communities of faith. President Donald Trump also condemned the incident, calling it a terrible situation.\
Shortly afterwards, they received another call that shots had been fired nearby from a vehicle at a landscaper. Officers found the suspects—ages 17 and 18—dead of self-inflicted wounds in a vehicle not far from the mosque. Among the deceased victims was a security guard who worked at the center and heroically prevented more people from dying, officials said.
The incident is being investigated as a hate crime, according to the FBI, because of writings found by the mother of one suspect. Police were first called to the mosque at 11:43 local time and observed what appeared to be three deceased victims out front, said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl during a news conference.
Wahl confirmed that there were no officers involved in firing their weapons and no signs of an active gunman at the mosque. About two hours before the attack, the mother of one of the suspects had reported to police that her son had left home with several of her guns and her car, stating he had gone with a companion, both dressed in camouflage. The behavior of the suspects appeared “not consistent” with someone considered suicidal, according to police.
A note left behind by the youth allegedly included generalized hate rhetoric and hate speech but contained no specific threats. Investigators went to a local high school, where one of the teens was a student, as well as a shopping mall where the car had been seen.
As the investigation continues, police are working to determine the motive behind the attack, which they believe might be related to the mosque's prominence in the community. This tragic event occurred just days before Eid al-Adha, a major Islamic holiday, prompting strong condemnation from community leaders, including Imam Taha Hassane, who stated, It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed horror at the violent attack, emphasizing that the state will not tolerate acts of terror against communities of faith. President Donald Trump also condemned the incident, calling it a terrible situation.\
