Three Killed in Shooting at San Diego Mosque; Suspects Dead

Two teenage suspects opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego, resulting in the deaths of three adult men, including a mosque security guard, before the suspects died by apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds a few blocks away ^[1][2]. The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in San Diego County ^[2][3].

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed that the attack is being investigated as a hate crime, citing evidence of generalized hate rhetoric found in the suspects’ vehicle and on one of the firearms ^[2][4]. Investigators also discovered a suicide note containing writings about racial pride ^[5].

Police received a call around 9:42 a.m. local time from a mother reporting her teenage son missing along with her weapons and vehicle. Approximately two hours later, the shooting occurred ^[2][6]. Police responded to the active shooter call at approximately 11:40 a.m. and arrived within about four minutes ^[7][8].

A landscaper was shot at a few blocks away from the mosque but was not struck ^[2][1]. Imam Taha Hassane, the mosque’s director, described the attack as “extremely outrageous” and noted that earlier in the day, a group of non-Muslims had toured the mosque ^[2][4].

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the shooting ^[2][9].

What Is Known

The attack resulted in the deaths of three men, including a security guard who played a pivotal role in preventing further harm ^[1][2]. The suspects died by apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds ^[1][2]. Police are treating the incident as a hate crime ^[2][4].

What Remains Unclear

The identities of the suspects have not been confirmed by authorities, although some reports have named them ^[5]. The full motive behind the attack is still under investigation ^[2][4].