Three people were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, authorities said, with two suspected shooters also found deceased inside a vehicle near the scene.
Background
The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in San Diego County. The shooting occurred as worshippers gathered at the house of worship in the Clairemont community. Imam Taha Hassane, who spoke to CBS News in 2023 about an unprecedented rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks following the war between Israel and Hamas, said Monday's violence highlighted ongoing religious intolerance. "The religious intolerance and the hate unfortunately that exist in our nation is unprecedented," he said at a news conference.
The Investigation
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed three victims were found dead outside the Islamic Center during initial response. A security guard was among those killed. Authorities identified the two suspected shooters as a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old, one of whom was associated with nearby Madison High School. Both suspects were found deceased inside a vehicle discovered by officers near the shooting scene. Chief Wahl said police are investigating the attack as a hate crime. "Because of the Islamic Center location, we are considering this a hate crime until it's not," he stated. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily of the San Diego Field Office said the FBI has not determined any motive as the investigation remains ongoing. Two hours before the shooting, a mother reported her son missing along with multiple weapons and her vehicle to police, Wahl said. The suspects were described as wearing camouflage attire. Chief Wahl noted that officers located the mother's reported vehicle near Fashion Valley mall, approximately 5 miles from the Islamic Center, while gathering information when calls about the shooting came in.
Key Takeaways
- Three people killed at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday afternoon
- Two suspected shooters, ages 17 and 18, found dead inside a vehicle near scene
- Shooting being investigated as hate crime by San Diego Police Department and FBI
- Security guard among victims described as heroic for helping contain situation before police arrived
- Mother reported son missing with weapons two hours before attack; suspects were dressed in camouflage
What's Next
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to establish a motive. Chief Wahl said the mother had left "some note" that police are examining but declined to provide further details. Imam Hassane urged the public to respect victims' privacy as families grieve. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced additional police protection for places of worship in the city.
Additional Reporting
President Donald Trump said he was briefed on the situation and would be receiving more information. California Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed condolences to the Muslim community, stating, "Hate has no place in California." The FBI is assisting local authorities with the investigation.