May 19, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel News
At least five people, including two teenage suspects, were killed on Monday after gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego in California, United States, in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime.
According to reports, the attackers, aged 17 and 18, stormed the mosque complex around 11:40 a.m. local time, killing a security guard and two other men outside the worship centre before later being found dead inside a vehicle from suspected self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The Islamic Center of San Diego is regarded as the largest mosque in San Diego County.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local law enforcement agencies had launched a full-scale hate crime investigation into the deadly attack.
Authorities disclosed that the mother of one of the suspects had contacted police nearly two hours before the shooting, reporting that her son, whom she described as suicidal, had fled with three firearms and her vehicle.
Police said the teenager was accompanied by another youth, with both suspects reportedly dressed in camouflage clothing.
According to Chief Wahl, officers had already begun searching for the pair near a shopping mall and the teenager’s high school before emergency calls about the mosque shooting were received.
Investigators also confirmed that a note was recovered from the runaway teenager’s residence, although authorities declined to disclose its contents.
“We have never experienced a tragedy like this before,” the mosque’s imam and director, Taha Hassane, told reporters.
“It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship,” he added.
Authorities said dozens of armed officers responded to the active shooter situation within minutes, while aerial footage showed tactical police units surrounding the mosque complex as helicopters hovered overhead.
Police confirmed that no law enforcement officer discharged a weapon during the operation.
Investigators further linked the attack to another nearby shooting incident in which a landscaper survived after a bullet reportedly struck his safety helmet instead of penetrating his head.
Meanwhile, children attending the Bright Horizon Academy, the Islamic school located inside the mosque complex, were safely evacuated without injuries.
The deadly attack comes just days before Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid al-Adha and embark on the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Authorities say investigations into the motive behind the shooting are ongoing.
