Three men lost their lives on Monday following a shooting incident at the Islamic Center of San Diego. The perpetrators, identified as two teenagers aged 17 and 18, were later found dead in a nearby vehicle, having apparently died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Authorities are currently investigating the attack as a potential hate crime.
The San Diego Police Department confirmed that officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the mosque complex around 11:43 AM local time. Upon arrival, they discovered the three victims outside the facility. A security guard at the Islamic center was among those killed, with police crediting his actions with potentially preventing further casualties.
Before the shooting, the mother of one of the suspects had reported her son, her car, and firearms missing to the police. Details regarding the nature of the threats or incidents prior to the shooting that the mother may have reported were not immediately clear. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stated he was unaware of any specific recent threats or incidents targeting the mosque before the attack.
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Investigators seized tactical gear, ammunition, and electronic devices from the suspects. The firearms used in the attack reportedly belonged to the parents of one of the suspects. Preliminary findings suggest the teenage assailants may have been radicalized online, where they also met and discovered they lived in the same area.
The incident has drawn reactions from various political figures. California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed and issued a statement emphasizing that "Hate has no place in California." New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the event as an "apparent act of anti-Muslim violence," noting increased police presence at mosques in his city as a precaution. President Donald Trump referred to the situation as "terrible."
The Islamic Center of San Diego, where the attack occurred, is described as a place focused on interfaith relations and community building. Reports indicate a group of non-Muslims were touring the mosque earlier on the day of the incident to learn about Islam. The imam of the mosque confirmed that staff, teachers, and children at the mosque's school were safe.
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