San Diego mosque shooting: What we know about the victims and the attackers | Crime News

Shooting at San Diego Mosque Leaves Three Dead; Investigators Consider Hate Crime Motive

SAN DIEGO — Two teenage gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego early Monday morning, killing three men before taking their own lives, according to local police.

The incident, which is being investigated as a potential hate crime, occurred at approximately 11:43 a.m. local time. Police had received a call earlier in the day from a concerned mother reporting her son as a “runaway juvenile.” She expressed fears that he was suicidal and indicated that several firearms were missing from her home, along with her vehicle.

In response to the active shooter reports, around 100 officers from various law enforcement agencies converged on the center. Upon arrival, they discovered three victims deceased outside the building. Responding officers undertook what was characterized as an “active shooter response” within the complex.

According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, officers had to breach doors to secure different areas of the mosque, but no police personnel discharged their weapons during the operation. As they established a perimeter, gunfire erupted a few blocks away, where a landscaper was shot at but escaped unharmed.

Authorities later located the teen gunmen in a vehicle nearby, where they were found deceased. Chief Wahl noted that the two suspects were 17 and 19 years old and had been wearing camouflage clothing. Limited details about their backgrounds have been released, although it was disclosed that one of them had some association with Madison High School.

Investigators are examining a note found by the suspects’ mother, which reportedly contained hate rhetoric, although there was no explicit threat against the Islamic Center itself.

Victims Identified

Among those killed was Amin Abdullah, a security guard at the mosque, who, officials stated, played a crucial role in preventing further casualties. “It’s fair to say his actions were heroic,” Wahl said, noting that Abdullah’s interventions likely saved lives.

The remaining two victims have not been publicly identified as the police continue their investigation.

Community Reaction

The shooting, which occurred just a week before the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, has drawn widespread condemnation. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement underscoring that a place of worship should never be a target of violence.

California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his horror at the attack, emphasizing the need to confront hate in all forms.

Investigative Developments

As the investigation transitions from emergency response to active investigation, police have reduced the restricted area surrounding the Islamic Center. Residents are advised to stay away as police continue their work in the vicinity.

Civil rights advocates have raised alarms over rising Islamophobia in the United States, pointing to significant spikes in anti-Muslim incidents in recent years.

The Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in the county, serves over 5,000 congregants and also houses a school that provides Islamic education.