Deadly Shooting at San Diego Mosque Under Hate Crime Investigation

(MENAFN) Three men were killed during a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, while two teenage suspects were also found dead, according to law enforcement officials investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

Authorities said officers responded to reports of an active shooter around 11:40 a.m. local time at the mosque on Eckstrom Avenue in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood. After a major emergency deployment to the scene, police later announced that the threat had been “neutralized.”

Investigators believe one of the victims was a security guard who reportedly played a “pivotal role” in preventing the attack from becoming “much worse,” according to officials cited in reports.

The mosque complex also houses Al Rashid School, though authorities confirmed that no students, teachers, or school employees were harmed during the incident. Police secured the area while children were escorted away from the facility.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stated that the two male suspects, aged 17 and 19, appear to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

“There were no officers involved in firing their weapons,” Wahl said during a press briefing, while noting that the investigation remains “still very preliminary at this point.”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said emergency teams were focused on protecting residents and securing the surrounding area. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office also stated that the governor had been briefed on the shooting and encouraged the public to follow instructions issued by local authorities.

MENAFN19052026000045017281ID1111135571