Three people were killed after gunmen opened fire at an Islamic centre in San Diego, California, in an attack authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime.
The shooting occurred on Monday at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, one of the largest mosque complexes in the county. Police officers responding to reports of an active shooter found three victims outside the mosque upon arrival.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said officers immediately secured the area and launched a search operation across the mosque and its adjoining school to ensure there were no additional threats.
Authorities later discovered two teenage suspects, aged 18 and 17, dead inside a vehicle a few blocks away. Investigators believe the pair died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Police said the attack is being treated as a potential hate crime following evidence of anti-Muslim rhetoric connected to the suspects.
One of those killed was a security guard at the Islamic centre.
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Wahl described the guard’s actions during the attack as heroic, noting that his intervention likely prevented further casualties.
The imam of the mosque, Taha Hassane, confirmed that staff members, worshippers, teachers and children inside the mosque’s school were safely evacuated.
Authorities also revealed that one suspect’s mother had contacted police hours earlier to report that her son was suicidal and that firearms, along with her vehicle, were missing.
Reacting to the incident, Donald Trump described the shooting as tragic, while Zohran Mamdani condemned it as an apparent act of anti-Muslim violence.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also denounced the attack, stressing that places of worship should remain safe spaces for all communities.
Police said investigations into the shooting are ongoing.
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