A shooting at a mosque in San Diego, California, left three people dead on Monday. Two teenage suspects, aged 17 and 19, were later found dead in a car from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime, citing evidence of 'generalized hate rhetoric' found among the suspects.
Details of the Attack
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told reporters that emergency personnel discovered three victims outside the Islamic Center of San Diego. Officers arrived within four minutes of receiving an active shooter call and immediately began an active shooter response. The suspects were later located deceased in a vehicle nearby.
Prior to the attack, police had been searching for one of the teen suspects after his mother reported him missing and suicidal. She also noted that weapons were missing from the home and her vehicle was gone. Officers were interviewing the mother when reports of the shooting came in.
Victims and Community Response
Among the deceased was a security guard at the mosque, whom Chief Wahl credited with preventing a worse outcome. The identities of the other two victims have not been released. Imam Taha Hassane confirmed that all staff, teachers, and children at the mosque were safe. He expressed outrage at the targeting of a place of worship and called for a wake-up on gun violence and Islamophobia.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced increased police security at houses of worship, calling the attack a 'violent act of hate.' California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that 'hate has no place in California' and vowed not to tolerate acts of terror against faith communities.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the shooting. Police have not released further details about the suspects' motives but confirmed that no specific threat had been made against the mosque prior to the attack. A vigil is planned for Tuesday at the Islamic Center.
