Three adult men were killed in a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, triggering a massive law enforcement response and raising concerns over a possible hate-motivated attack.
San Diego police confirmed that two suspects, believed to be 17 and 19 years old, were also found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds shortly after the shooting unfolded in the Clairemont neighborhood, located about eight miles north of downtown San Diego.
Authorities said officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 11:43 a.m. and discovered the three victims outside the mosque. Around the same time, emergency calls reported additional gunfire just blocks away from the Islamic center.
Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators believe the suspects later turned the weapons on themselves inside a vehicle found nearby. Officials noted that no officers are believed to have fired their weapons during the incident.
One of the victims was identified as a mosque security guard who police say played a critical role in helping prevent further casualties during the attack. Authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the shooting and are currently treating the case as a possible hate crime.
An imam from the Islamic Center of San Diego confirmed that all teachers, students, and staff members at the mosque’s school were safely accounted for following the violence.
The tragic incident prompted heightened security measures across Southern California. The Los Angeles Police Department announced increased patrols around mosques, Islamic centers, and other places of worship across the city, despite officials stating there is no known threat to Los Angeles at this time.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the attack, describing herself as “outraged and heartbroken,” especially as the violence occurred on the first day of Dhul Hijjah, one of the holiest periods in the Islamic calendar.
Residents in the Clairemont community expressed shock over the tragedy. Neighbors described the area as peaceful and community-oriented, making the attack even more devastating for local families and worshippers.
The investigation remains ongoing as federal and local authorities work to determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting.