Three men were killed in a shooting outside a mosque in San Diego, California, in what investigators are treating as a possible hate crime involving two teenage suspects who later died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The attack unfolded on Monday morning at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County, triggering a major police response and lockdowns at nearby schools.
Police Were Already Searching For Suspects
Authorities said the shooting happened around two hours after the mother of one of the suspects contacted police to report that her teenage son had left home with another youth, several firearms, and her vehicle.
The woman told officers the pair, aged 17 and 18, were dressed in camouflage and that her son might be suicidal.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said officers were already actively searching for the suspects when gunfire erupted at the mosque shortly before midday.
Three Victims Found Outside Mosque
Police arrived at the Islamic Center of San Diego at approximately 11:43am local time and discovered three men suffering from fatal gunshot wounds outside the front of the building.
Authorities confirmed there was no exchange of gunfire involving police officers.
Among the victims was a security guard described by officials as having played a critical role in preventing the attack from becoming even more deadly.
“It’s fair to say his actions were heroic,” Wahl said during a news conference. “Undoubtedly he saved lives today.”
The security guard was identified by people familiar with him as a father of eight.
Second Shooting Reported Nearby
Shortly after the mosque attack, police received reports of another shooting involving suspects firing from a moving vehicle at a landscaper several blocks away.
The landscaper survived unharmed, although investigators said a bullet may have deflected off his hard hat.
When officers located the suspects’ vehicle nearby, both teenagers were found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Investigators Examine Possible Hate Crime Motive
Authorities said the motive remains under investigation but that the attack is being treated as a possible hate crime due to the mosque being targeted and writings allegedly linked to one of the suspects.
Police said a note left behind contained “generalised hate rhetoric and hate speech”, although investigators said it did not contain a specific threat against the mosque or any individual.
Children Escorted From School Campus
The Islamic Center campus also houses the Al Rashid School, where children were attending classes when the shooting occurred.
Aerial footage showed students holding hands while being escorted through a car park to safety as heavily armed officers cleared the complex following active shooter protocols.
Several nearby schools were temporarily placed on lockdown during the emergency response.
FBI Assisting Investigation
The FBI said it is assisting local authorities and appealed to the public for information related to the attack.
Investigators continue examining the suspects’ movements, writings, and online activity as authorities work to determine what led to the deadly shooting.
