Five people, including two suspects, died in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, California's largest mosque, in what authorities are investigating as a hate crime. The incident occurred shortly before midday prayers in the Clairemont area.
Suspects and Victims
The two suspects, aged 17 and 18, died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, according to officials. The FBI has set up a tip line and is seeking information from the public. Among the three victims was a security guard at the center, whose actions were described as heroic by San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. "I think it's fair to say [the guard's] actions were heroic, and undoubtedly he saved lives today," Wahl said.
Sequence of Events
About two hours before the shooting, the mother of one suspect called police to report her son missing, along with several weapons and her vehicle. While officers were searching for the teens, they received a 911 call from the Islamic Center. Officers nearby rushed to the scene and found three people shot dead. Simultaneously, dispatchers received another call about shots fired from a vehicle two blocks away. A landscaper may have been struck in the helmet, which deflected the bullet and saved his life.
Community and Official Response
No children at the center's school were harmed, and a reunification center was established for affected families. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria stated, "Hate has no home in San Diego. Islamophobia has no home in San Diego." Imam Taha Hassane called the attack "extremely outrageous" and urged the community to mourn and pray. The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the violence, and California Governor Gavin Newsom offered condolences, emphasizing that hate has no place in the state.
National Response
President Donald Trump was briefed on the shooting. In Los Angeles and New York, police increased patrols at mosques as a precaution, though no specific threats were identified. The FBI confirmed that no officers fired their weapons.
