UPDATE: San Diego Mosque Shooting Leaves 3 Dead in Suspected Hate Crime

A deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego has left three people dead and shaken Muslim communities across the United States as investigators work to determine the full motive behind what authorities believe may have been a hate-driven attack.

Police say two teenage suspects opened fire Monday morning at the mosque in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood before later dying from self-inflicted gunshot wounds nearby. Authorities are now investigating the incident as a possible hate crime after uncovering writings and evidence pointing to extremist rhetoric.

The attack unfolded during one of the holiest periods in the Islamic calendar and immediately sparked national outrage, grief, and renewed fears about rising anti-Muslim violence in America.

What Happened at the San Diego Mosque?

According to police, officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the mosque shortly before noon Monday. When officers arrived, they found three men dead near the front section of the Islamic Center.

The leader of the San Diego Islamic Center, Imam Taha Hassane, identified the victims. He named the victims of the attack as Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad. These three men are being hailed as heroes and as playing an intricate role.

Kaziha was known to the community as AbulEzz. Hassane described him as playing a central role in daily life at the mosque, often stepping in wherever he was needed. His last act of service was calling the police before he was killed.

Awad lived across the street and was a member of the mosque. He ran towards the mosque when he heard gunshots. Abdullah was the mosque’s security guard. He exchanged gunfire with the assailants and followed lockdown protocols, which thwarted the attempts of the attackers to cause more harm. Police Chief Scott Wahl described the guard as “heroic,” saying his intervention likely saved lives inside the mosque and adjacent school.

Suspects Identified as Teenagers

Authorities believe the attackers were two teenagers: 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez. Police say the suspects were found dead inside a vehicle less than a quarter mile from the mosque after apparently turning the guns on themselves.

Hours before the shooting, one suspect’s mother reportedly contacted police, saying her son was suicidal, missing, and had taken firearms and her vehicle. She also told officers the teenagers were dressed in camouflage. That call triggered an urgent search effort that intensified shortly before the mosque attack began.

FBI Says Suspects Shared “Broad Hatred”

Federal investigators say the two teens met online and shared what officials described as a “broad hatred” toward various races and religions. Authorities recovered approximately 30 firearms and a crossbow from homes connected to the investigation.

Investigators also reportedly found writings and anti-Muslim rhetoric believed to be connected to the suspects, though officials have not publicly detailed all ideological motivations. The FBI says investigators are still trying to determine whether the teens planned additional attacks beyond the mosque shooting.

Children Were Escorted Out During the Chaos

The mosque also houses the Al Rashid School, which serves children studying Arabic language, Quranic studies and Islamic education. Television footage captured children holding hands while being evacuated from the area as police flooded the neighborhood. Authorities said teachers, students and staff inside the school survived safely.

Residents nearby described scenes of panic, shattered glass and heavy police activity as officers rushed to contain the situation. One landscaper working nearby was reportedly shot at while fleeing, but was not seriously injured.

Muslim Organizations Condemn Rising Anti-Muslim Rhetoric

The shooting immediately reignited concerns about rising anti-Muslim rhetoric and hate crimes nationwide. Civil rights organizations and Muslim advocacy groups argued the attack reflects a broader climate of intolerance that has intensified amid global tensions in the Middle East.

Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned what it called an increasingly dangerous environment fueled by extremist political rhetoric targeting Muslim communities. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria described the shooting as a “violent act of hate.” Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he was horrified by what appeared to be anti-Muslim violence.

Houses of Worship Face Growing Security Threats

The attack adds to a growing list of violent incidents targeting religious institutions across the United States in recent years. Mosques, synagogues, churches and temples have all increased security measures amid rising threats tied to extremism, political radicalization, and hate crimes.

For many Muslim Americans, the San Diego shooting reinforces fears that places meant for worship and community gathering are increasingly vulnerable. Imam Hassane called the violence both shocking and reflective of a larger cultural problem. “All of us, we are responsible for spreading the culture of tolerance, the culture of love,” he said.

FAQ

How many people died in the San Diego mosque shooting?

Three people were killed during the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

Who were the suspects in the mosque shooting?

Authorities identified the suspects as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez.

Is the shooting being investigated as a hate crime?

Yes. Police and federal authorities say the case is being investigated as a possible anti-Muslim hate crime.

Did the suspects survive?

No. Police say both suspects died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds after the attack.

Were children inside the mosque during the shooting?

Yes. The Islamic Center includes a school, though authorities said students and staff were evacuated safely.