Gunmen kill 3 outside San Diego mosque before apparent suicide
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – U.S. police on Monday said two individuals carried out a shooting attack targeting the Islamic Center in San Diego, California, killing three people outside the mosque, including a security guard.
The police added that the suspected attackers were later found dead inside a vehicle in what authorities believe was a murder-suicide.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said local law enforcement agencies, in coordination with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, have launched an investigation into the incident as a possible hate crime targeting the largest mosque in San Diego County. Authorities said the motive behind the attack has not yet been officially determined.
The shooting occurred at approximately 11:40 AM local time. Officials confirmed that all children attending the Islamic center’s school were safely evacuated following the incident.
During a press conference on Monday evening, Wahl said the mother of one of the suspects contacted police roughly two hours before the attack, reporting that her son—whom she described as suicidal—had left home with a friend after taking three firearms and her vehicle.
According to police, the two suspects were wearing camouflage clothing, prompting precautionary search operations at a nearby shopping center and high school before reports of gunfire at the mosque emerged.
Wahl added that authorities had no prior intelligence indicating a direct threat against the mosque or any religious, educational, or commercial institution before the attack.
For his part, Taha Hassane, imam and director of the Islamic Center, expressed shock over the attack, describing the targeting of places of worship as “outrageous” and saying the community had never experienced a similar tragedy.
When dozens of law enforcement officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the bodies of three men associated with the mosque outside the building, including a security guard whom authorities believe may have helped limit the number of casualties.
Shortly afterward, police found the bodies of the two suspects, aged 17 and 18, inside a car parked in the middle of the street. Authorities believe both died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Investigators are continuing to gather information to determine the full circumstances and motive behind the attack. The Islamic Center also houses the Bright Horizon Academy, an institution providing Islamic education.