San Diego mosque attack probed as hate crime after three killed

San Diego Police have launched a formal investigation into a fatal shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, classifying the incident as a suspected hate crime. Two teenage gunmen, aged 17 and 18, opened fire at the facility on Monday morning, killing three men before taking their own lives. The attack occurred shortly after one shooter’s mother reported him missing, noting he had taken weapons and a vehicle and appeared suicidal.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed that the suspects were found dead in a vehicle a few blocks away with apparent self-inflicted gunshots. Wahl stated that no officers fired their weapons at the scene and described the incident as being actively investigated as a hate crime due to the involvement of "generalized hate rhetoric." A note left by one suspect’s mother contained such speech, though Wahl noted it did not specify threats against the mosque or particular individuals.

Among the three victims was a security guard at the mosque, whose actions are credited with preventing further casualties. "His actions were heroic and he undoubtedly saved lives today," Wahl said. The identities of the other two victims were not immediately confirmed. The Islamic Centre houses a school, but Director Imam Taha Hassane confirmed that no students were harmed during the incident.

Hassane highlighted the centre’s commitment to interfaith relations, noting that non-Muslim visitors were at the facility earlier on Monday to learn about Islam. He expressed solidarity with the families affected, stating, "We have never experienced tragedy like this before." The FBI is conducting a joint investigation with local police to determine the full scope of the attack.

Political leaders across the United States have condemned the violence. US President Donald Trump described the incident as a "terrible situation," while California Governor Gavin Newsom affirmed that "hate has no place in California." New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, the first Muslim mayor of a major American city, characterized the attack as an act of anti-Muslim violence and announced increased police deployments to mosques in New York out of caution.