Twin Teen Attackers Die by Suicide After Killing Three Men
SAN DIEGO - Authorities are probing a suspected hate crime following a shooting incident on Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which left three men dead and the two teenage perpetrators deceased from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The swift response of law enforcement, arriving within minutes of the initial call, is noted in the reports.
==The attackers, identified as 17 and 18-year-old males, opened fire at the center shortly before noon.== Officers discovered three adult male victims upon arrival at the scene. The perpetrators were later found dead in a vehicle a few blocks away. One of the deceased victims was the center's security guard, whose actions are credited with saving lives. No children present at the Islamic Center's K-3 school were harmed.
Police had been actively seeking one of the teenage suspects prior to the attack, alerted by his mother who expressed concern about his suicidal tendencies and reported him missing. The motive remains under active investigation, but officials have publicly labeled the incident a hate crime.
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The Islamic Center of San Diego, described as the largest mosque in San Diego County, reportedly focuses on interfaith relations and community building. It is noted that a group of non-Muslims had been touring the facility earlier that day to learn about Islam.
A significant police presence, including federal agents, converged on the Clairemont neighborhood location. The scene has since been declared contained, with no ongoing public threat. Security footage from the site is expected to be reviewed as part of the investigation.
