Three men were killed when gunmen burst into a San Diego mosque on Monday and opened fire in what authorities are calling a hate crime. The two suspects, aged 17 and 19, were later found dead in a car nearby from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Attack at Islamic Centre of San Diego
The shooting occurred at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County, which also houses the Al Rashid School offering courses in Arabic, Islamic studies, and the Quran. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed at a news conference that the attack is being investigated as a hate crime.
Security Guard's Heroic Role
At least one of the three victims was a security guard. Chief Wahl noted that the guard, who was in the line of fire, appeared to have played a pivotal role in preventing a deadlier attack. 'One of the deceased is a security guard that works there, and I think played a pivotal role in assisting from this being much worse,' he said.
The suspects fled the scene but were later discovered dead in a vehicle nearby. Both are believed to be teenagers, and their deaths are consistent with self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Community in Shock
Aerial TV footage showed more than a dozen children holding hands and being escorted out of the parking lot, which was surrounded by scores of police vehicles. The white mosque is situated in a neighborhood of homes, apartments, and strip malls, including Middle Eastern restaurants and markets. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning.
This is a breaking news story. More details are expected to follow as the investigation continues.
