San Diego, United States – Web Desk: Three people were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in San Diego, while two suspected teenage attackers were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, according to police.
Authorities said emergency response teams arrived at the mosque complex within minutes after reports of an active shooter and discovered three victims dead outside the building.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said officers immediately launched an active shooter response operation inside the mosque and an adjacent school to secure the area and search for additional threats.
Police later located a vehicle a few blocks away from the mosque, where the two suspects, aged 19 and 17, were found dead. Investigators believe both died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Chief Wahl said authorities are treating the incident as a possible hate crime, citing evidence of hate-related rhetoric connected to the attack.
One of the victims was identified as a security guard at the Islamic center. Police said his actions helped prevent an even deadlier attack.
The Islamic Center of San Diego is considered the largest mosque in San Diego County and also includes educational facilities for children and community members.
Officials revealed that the mother of one of the suspects had contacted police nearly two hours before the shooting, reporting that her son was suicidal and that weapons and her vehicle were missing.
The imam of the mosque, Taha Hassane, said all staff, teachers, and children inside the complex were safe. He described the attack as a tragic and horrifying incident targeting a place of worship.
Donald Trump called the shooting a “terrible situation,” while Gavin Newsom condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the Muslim community.
Newsom said acts of hate and intimidation against religious communities would not be tolerated in California.
