Authorities in San Diego are investigating a deadly shooting at a mosque that left three men dead after two teenage suspects opened fire before later taking their own lives. Officials say the attack is being examined as a possible hate crime and occurred after an earlier search for one of the teens had already begun.
The incident took place at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in the region, on Monday.
Search for Missing Teen Preceded the Attack
According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, law enforcement was already looking for one of the suspects after his mother reported him missing and expressed concern that he was suicidal.
Authorities also learned that firearms were missing from the family home and that the teenager had access to a vehicle. The search intensified as officers tracked leads across the city, unaware that the situation would soon escalate into a fatal attack just blocks away.
Approximately two hours after the search began, gunfire erupted at the mosque.
Deadly Shooting at the Mosque
Police say two suspects, aged 17 and 18, arrived at the Islamic center and opened fire, killing three men. Officers responded within minutes of receiving emergency calls, but all three victims were already deceased upon arrival.
The suspects later fled the scene and were found dead a few blocks away in what investigators believe was a suicide following the attack.
Officials confirmed that there had been no direct or specific threat made against the mosque prior to the shooting. However, investigators say evidence recovered suggests the suspects had been engaging in generalized hate-related rhetoric online and elsewhere, prompting authorities to treat the case as a potential hate crime.
Security Guard Praised for Heroic Actions
Among those killed was a long-time security guard, identified by community members as Amin Abdullah. Police believe his actions helped prevent an even greater loss of life during the attack.
Officials and community leaders say Abdullah confronted the gunmen in an effort to protect worshippers inside the mosque.
Authorities credited him with slowing the attackers and potentially saving additional victims.
Community in Shock as Worshippers Evacuated
The mosque complex, which also includes a religious school serving young students, was placed under heavy police lockdown following the shooting. Witness footage showed children being escorted from the premises while officers secured the area.
The attack sent shockwaves through the local Muslim community, which described the victims as devoted members who regularly attended prayers and supported mosque activities.
Leaders at the center said the violence occurred at a place dedicated to worship, education, and interfaith outreach, making the attack especially devastating for families and congregants.
Investigation Expands
Authorities are expected to execute additional search warrants as they work to reconstruct the timeline leading up to the shooting. Investigators are also examining the suspects’ digital activity, social connections, and movements in the hours before the attack.
Law enforcement has emphasized that the case remains active and that the motive is still being formally determined, though early findings point toward ideologically driven violence.
National and Community Reaction
The Council on American-Islamic Relations strongly condemned the attack, calling for greater protection for religious institutions and affirming that no community should fear violence while attending worship or education.
Former President Donald Trump also described the shooting as a “terrible situation,” reflecting widespread national concern over the incident.
Community members continue to gather near the site to mourn the victims and support affected families as the investigation continues.