A deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego has left five people dead, including two teenage suspects, in what authorities are now investigating as a possible hate crime.
According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, officers responded to reports of gunfire at around 11:43am local time on Monday. Within four minutes, police arrived at the mosque and discovered three male victims dead outside the building, including a security guard who officials say likely prevented an even greater tragedy.
The suspects, aged 17 and 19, were later found dead inside a nearby vehicle from what police described as apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The Islamic Center of San Diego, located roughly 14 kilometres north of downtown, is the largest mosque in San Diego County and also hosts the Al Rashid School, where children study Arabic, Islamic studies and the Quran.
Authorities confirmed that all children attending the school were safely evacuated and accounted for. Dramatic aerial footage showed groups of children being escorted from the area while heavily armed police surrounded the complex.
Police also revealed that another shooting was reported just blocks away during the attack, where a landscaper was targeted but escaped without injury.
Chief Wahl described the incident as “every community’s worst nightmare” and confirmed the FBI is assisting investigators due to indications the attack may have been motivated by anti-Muslim hatred.
“This is a devastating tragedy for our city,” he said. “All places of worship should be safe.”
Imam Taha Hassane said the local Muslim community was in shock.
“We have never experienced tragedy like this before,” he said. “We stand in solidarity with all the families affected.”
US President Donald Trump called the shooting a “terrible situation,” while California Governor Gavin Newsomconfirmed state emergency officials are coordinating with local law enforcement.
The investigation remains ongoing.
