San Diego: Three men were killed after two teenage attackers opened fire outside the Islamic Centre of San Diego, in what authorities say is being treated as a suspected hate crime.
Police said the gunfire broke out around 11:43 local time, just hours after officers were alerted that one of the suspects had left home with firearms and a companion. The suspects, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a vehicle nearby.
Victims and response
Among those killed was a security guard at the mosque, described by officials as having played a pivotal role in preventing the attack from becoming more deadly. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the guard’s actions were heroic and likely saved additional lives. The identities of the three victims have not yet been released.
Suspects and police timeline
Authorities said the mother of one suspect had contacted police about two hours before the attack, reporting that her son had run away with another teenager, had firearms, and might be suicidal.
>>@CAGovernor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on an evolving situation in Clairemont community of San Diego, near the Islamic Center.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) is coordinating with local law enforcement.
We are grateful to the first responders on the…
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) May 18, 2026
Police were already searching for the pair when the shooting began. Officers arrived at the scene within minutes and found the victims outside the mosque building. While the incident unfolded, officers were still in contact with the suspect’s mother and were nearby the location.
A note left by one of the suspects reportedly contained generalised hate rhetoric, though investigators said it did not name the mosque or any specific target.
Second shooting and discovery of suspects
Shortly after the mosque attack, police received reports of another shooting from a vehicle targeting a landscaper nearby. The worker was not injured.
Investigators said a bullet may have deflected off the victim’s hard hat, though this has not been confirmed. The suspects were later located dead in a car a few blocks from the mosque.
Community shaken during school hours
The Islamic Centre campus also houses the Al Rashid School, where children were in class when the shooting occurred. Students were later escorted to safety as police secured the area. Nearby schools were placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Leaders condemn violence
Imam Taha Hassane, director of the Islamic Centre of San Diego, said it was ‘extremely outrageous to target a place of worship’, adding that the mosque is a house of worship, not a battlefield. The FBI has appealed for public information to support the ongoing investigation.
California Governor, Gavin Newsom said he was horrified by the attack, stressing that the state would not tolerate violence against religious communities. US President Donald Trump described the incident as a terrible situation and said it would be reviewed further.
Investigation ongoing
Authorities have not yet confirmed a definitive motive, but say the incident is being treated as a possible hate crime due to the location and content found in the suspect’s writings. The investigation is continuing with federal and local agencies working together.
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