Two teenage assailants, aged 17 and 18, carried out a mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, California, on May 19, rushing the mosque "fully armored" with handguns and rifles, authorities said. The attackers, identified in news reports as Cain Clark and Caleb Vazquez, were found dead near the mosque from self-inflicted gunshot wounds after a confrontation with police.
Heroic Security Guard Sacrifices Life
A security guard, Amin Abdullah, shot and struck one of the shooters but continued charging. He alerted administrators at the Islamic Center's school to go into lockdown before being shot and killed. "If it was not for him... The carnage would be much worse," said Imam Taha Hassane. "He sacrificed his life." Two other victims, Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad, were killed while calling police. The Islamic Center called them "three heroes martyred" and launched a fundraiser for their families.
Investigation Reveals Radicalization
The FBI confirmed the shooters met and were radicalized online. Special Agent Mark Remily said investigators found a "manifesto" expressing "broad hatred" toward various races and religions. Searches of two residences uncovered 30 firearms, a crossbow, tactical gear, ammunition, and electronics. Remily noted it was too early to determine if the Islamic Center was the sole target.
The firearms used were registered to one of the shooters' parents, and authorities are investigating how they obtained them. The mother of the 17-year-old had alerted police shortly before the attack that her son was suicidal and potentially armed. Officers were searching for the teens near the mosque as the shooting began.
Community Response and Lockdown Drills
Five public schools near the Islamic Center were placed on lockdown during the attack. Imam Hassane said the center practices active-shooter lockdown drills several times a year, which saved lives: "The lives of the kids were saved. The lives of everyone in the school were saved." Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche said federal and local agencies are fully investigating the attack.
One of the shooters was enrolled in a virtual learning academy and was set to graduate high school this year. The FBI has opened a tip line for more information.
