A tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego left three men dead after two teenagers, aged 17 and 18, opened fire inside the mosque before later taking their own lives nearby, authorities said. The incident occurred shortly after police had begun searching for one of the suspects, whose mother reported him missing and suicidal. She also informed officers that weapons and her vehicle were missing from their home, prompting an urgent investigation.
According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, police tracked the suspects using automated license plate readers and continued searching throughout the morning. Officers learned the missing teen had dressed in camouflage and was accompanied by another teenager. Despite the ongoing search, reports of gunfire soon emerged from the Islamic Center, one of the largest mosques in San Diego, located in a neighborhood known for its Middle Eastern businesses and community institutions.
Police responded to the mosque within four minutes of receiving emergency calls, but three victims had already died by the time officers arrived. Among those killed was security guard Amin Abdullah, who officials believe acted heroically during the attack. Authorities said his quick actions likely prevented an even greater tragedy by protecting worshippers and helping others escape the scene safely.
Investigators later discovered evidence suggesting the suspects had engaged in “generalized hate rhetoric,” leading authorities to classify the incident as a hate crime investigation. However, police noted there had been no specific threats directed at the Islamic Center before the attack. Search warrants were expected to be carried out as investigators worked to understand the motive behind the violence.
The shooting shocked the local Muslim community and drew condemnation from religious leaders and civil rights organizations. Imam Taha Hassane described the attack as “extremely outrageous,” emphasizing the mosque’s focus on interfaith relations and community unity. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also condemned the violence, stating that no one should fear attending prayers or school. President Donald Trump called the incident a “terrible situation” as the community mourned the victims and honored those who risked their lives to protect others.
