Two suspected attackers aged 17 and 18 shot dead three people at the Islamic Center of San Diego before being found dead in a car just blocks from the scene. Police believe the suspects died by suicide. The incident has prompted an investigation into a possible hate crime, with authorities saying they have found clear hate messages from one of the suspects.
One of the three victims was identified as a security guard at the center. The Islamic Center housed both a mosque and a school for Arabic and Quran courses. Police received the active shooter call at 11:43 AM local time and officers were dispatched immediately to the scene.
Before the attack, the mother of one of the suspects had already alerted police that her son was suicidal, had left home, and that weapons and her car were missing. Police were able to track the vehicle. Officers who heard about the shooting at the Islamic Center were already in the area speaking with the mother about the missing suspects.
After a brief shelter-in-place order for the surrounding neighborhood, police declared the danger had passed. A gardener near the center was also shot at but was not hit. The investigation is ongoing, with San Diego police working to establish the full timeline of events and the motives behind the deadly attack.
The shooting has drawn international attention and condemnation. Community leaders and local officials have called for increased security at places of worship across the region. The Islamic Center of San Diego has served the local Muslim community for decades, offering religious services, education programs, and community outreach.