Three people were killed after two teenage gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime attack.
According to San Diego Police Department, the attackers later killed themselves after fleeing the scene. Officials said the shooting occurred days before the Muslim holiday of Eid al Adha and the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators were still determining the motive behind the attack. However, he confirmed that hate related rhetoric appeared connected to the case.
Police Received Warning Before Mosque Attack
Authorities revealed that the investigation began earlier in the day when officers received a call at around 9:42am local time from a mother reporting her teenage son missing.
According to Wahl, the woman informed police that her son appeared suicidal and that several weapons and a vehicle were missing from her home.
“She believed her son was suicidal,” Wahl told reporters. He added that the information immediately elevated concerns among investigators.
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Nearly two hours later, police received reports of an active shooter situation near Eckstrom Avenue in San Diego. Officers arrived at the mosque complex within minutes and launched a major emergency response operation.
Victims Found Outside Mosque Complex
Police said officers discovered three victims dead outside the mosque building upon arrival.
Authorities deployed between 50 and 100 officers throughout the Islamic center as part of the active shooter response. Officers breached several doors to search the entire facility and secure worshippers and children inside the building.
Wahl confirmed that no police officers fired their weapons during the operation.
As the area was being secured, another shooting occurred nearby where a landscaper came under gunfire but escaped unharmed. Investigators later found the two suspects dead inside a stopped vehicle several blocks away.
Television footage showed children being escorted out of the mosque parking area while police surrounded the neighborhood.
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“I’ll tell you what got me,” Wahl said. “Watching kids come running out, just thankful to be alive.”
Mosque Security Guard Praised for Heroic Actions
Officials confirmed that one of the victims was a security guard at the mosque who attempted to stop the attackers during the assault.
Community leaders identified the guard as Amin Abdullah. Local media reports said he was the father of eight children.
Police described his actions as heroic and said he likely prevented the attack from becoming far deadlier.
“It’s fair to say his actions were heroic,” Wahl stated. “Undoubtedly, he saved lives today.”
Authorities have not yet publicly identified the other victims killed in the shooting.
Investigators Probe Possible Hate Crime Motive
Police said the suspects were aged 17 and 19. Authorities released limited information about the teenagers but confirmed that one of them had links to Madison High School.
The mother reportedly discovered a note before contacting police. Although investigators have not revealed its contents, Wahl stated that hate related language was included.
Officials are currently treating the shooting as a possible hate crime unless evidence later suggests otherwise.
The mosque, which serves more than 5,000 worshippers in San Diego County, also houses Al Rashid School where children study Arabic, Islamic studies, and the Quran.
Muslim Leaders Condemn Attack
The attack triggered widespread condemnation from Muslim organizations and political figures across the United States.
Council on American-Islamic Relations strongly condemned the shooting and expressed solidarity with the victims and their families.
CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam said no one should fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at a religious school.
Meanwhile, Zohran Mamdani condemned Islamophobia and called for unity against hatred and division.
I am horrified by the deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, an apparent act of anti-Muslim violence.
Islamophobia endangers Muslim communities across this country. We must confront it directly and stand together against the politics of fear and division. My thoughts…
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) May 18, 2026
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
