Deadly Shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego Kills Five; Authorities Investigate as Hate Crime

Deadly Shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego Kills Five; Authorities Investigate as Hate Crime
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A shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday has left five people dead, including three victims and the two suspected gunmen, in what local authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime targeting a place of worship.

Police responded to reports of an active shooter at the Clairemont mosque, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said, finding three men dead outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, one of whom was an on‑duty security guard who tried to confront the attackers.

The two suspects — teenage males aged 17 and 18 — were later found dead from apparent self‑inflicted gunshot wounds in a vehicle a short distance from the mosque. Law enforcement said the fatality count includes the three victims and the two suspects.

Authorities have launched a hate‑crime investigation, with the FBI and local law enforcement cooperating, after finding materials and writings linked to racist and anti‑religious rhetoric connected to the suspects.

The Islamic Center of San Diego, one of the largest mosques in the county and a community hub with religious services and an affiliated school, was evacuated and placed on lockdown during the response. No children were reported injured.

The incident has drawn widespread shock and condemnation from community leaders and civil rights advocates, who called for increased protection for places of worship and stronger efforts to counter hate‑based violence.