Two teenage gunmen opened fire outside the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, killing three men, including a security guard. The bodies of the shooters, aged 17 and 19, were found a short while later inside a vehicle parked on a nearby street. Police believe the two men shot themselves after carrying out what they suspect was a hate crime.The shooting occurred just before noon outside the mosque complex, which is the largest Islamic centre in San Diego County.
The San Diego Police Department posted on X, “At 11:43 am, we received the first 911 call reporting an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the 7000 block of Eckstrom Ave. The first officers arrived in less than 4 minutes. Five people are deceased, including two male suspects, ages 17 and 19. Three victims were killed at the Islamic Center, including a security guard.”
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told Reuters that the children attending the school operating within the mosque were safely evacuated and were unharmed after the attack. The officers, who were deployed to the scene, found three men, including a security guard, shot dead outside the building. Authorities praised the late security guard for potentially preventing a large scale massacre. They also said investigators were working to identify the motive behind the attack. The FBI has joined the investigation.
Police suspect the shooting is a hate crime against the Muslim community.
Law enforcement officials told CNN that one of the suspects allegedly took a gun from their parents’ home, leaving behind a suicide note citing references to racial pride. They also found hate-filled messages written on one of the weapons.
Shortly after, a few blocks away, shots were allegedly fired at a gardener, who was left unharmed. The police are investigating whether the case is connected to the attack on the mosque.
