A shooting took place at the largest mosque in San Diego, California, resulting in three deaths, while the two gunmen are believed to have ended their own lives. Police are urgently investigating the motive.
On 18 May 2026, two teenage gunmen opened fire at the San Diego Islamic Center in California, killing three men outside the mosque, including a security guard. Later, the bodies of the two suspects were found at the scene, believed to have died by suicide with firearms.
Scott Wahl, San Diego Police Chief, confirmed that all children attending the daytime school located within the mosque premises are safe following the shooting, which occurred shortly before noon Pacific Daylight Time (PDT).
Chief Wahl added that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been called in to assist with the investigation. He stated that authorities are focusing on the possibility of a hate crime.
Upon receiving the report, numerous police officers rushed to the Islamic Center and found three men shot dead outside the building, including the security guard. Chief Wahl praised the guard's actions, saying they likely helped prevent further bloodshed.
Shortly thereafter, police found the bodies of two teenage males, aged 17 and 19, inside a car parked in the middle of the street. Both died from gunshot wounds, believed to be self-inflicted.
Chief Wahl further stated that the investigation team is still gathering evidence to piece together what triggered the shooting and how the violence unfolded.
Additionally, there were reports of a gunman shooting at a landscaper about two blocks away, which appears to be a separate incident. However, police have not confirmed whether they have ruled out any connection between the two events. The landscaper was unharmed.
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Source:cna