3 Killed In Shooting At San Diego Mosque; Teen Suspects Found Dead, Hate Crime Probe Underway

Last Updated:May 19, 2026, 04:59 IST

Three men were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the two teen suspects were later found dead, police and the FBI probe a possible hate crime motive.

Three men were killed in a shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego in California on Monday after two teenage gunmen opened fire at the mosque, authorities said. The two suspects were later found dead from what police believe were self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the shooting occurred shortly before noon local time at the Islamic Center in the Clairemont area, the largest mosque in San Diego County near the US-Mexico border.

Among those killed was a security guard at the mosque, whom officials said may have helped prevent further casualties during the attack.

Police later discovered the bodies of two male suspects, aged 17 and 19, inside a vehicle on a nearby street. Investigators believe both died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Authorities said all children attending a day school housed within the Islamic Center were accounted for and safe following the incident.

The FBI has joined the investigation, and police said they are treating the shooting as a possible hate crime, although officials have not publicly identified a motive.

“We have never experienced a tragedy like this before," said Taha Hassane, imam and director of the Islamic Center.

“It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship," he added.

Law enforcement officials said dozens of officers responded within minutes after receiving reports of an active shooter. Television footage showed heavily armed police surrounding the mosque, with tactical teams positioned around the complex.

Police said no shots were fired by officers during the response.

Investigators are also examining whether a separate shooting involving a landscaper a few blocks away around the same time is connected to the mosque attack. The landscaper was not injured.

Authorities said details surrounding the sequence of events and motive remain unclear.

The attack comes days before Eid al-Adha and the annual Hajj pilgrimage, important religious events for Muslims worldwide.

The Islamic Center of San Diego also houses Bright Horizon Academy, a school providing Islamic education.

The incident is likely to heighten concerns among Muslim communities in the United States amid rising fears over religiously motivated violence. Muslim and Jewish institutions have reported growing security concerns following escalating conflict in West Asia involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Earlier this year, a man died after attacking a Jewish temple in Michigan in an incident that also raised concerns about threats targeting places of worship.

The San Diego shooting is now among the latest cases being scrutinised for possible extremist or hate-related motives.

News world 3 Killed In Shooting At San Diego Mosque; Teen Suspects Found Dead, Hate Crime Probe Underway

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