Children at a school on the mosque grounds were unharmed after the attack.
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — A San Diego mosque community mourned Tuesday after a shooting killed three men at the Islamic Center of San Diego and left two teenage suspects dead in a vehicle nearby, authorities said.
The attack struck during a busy day at the mosque complex, which includes a school and serves Muslim families across the county. Police said the children on campus were accounted for and safe, while investigators searched for evidence that could explain why the mosque was targeted.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said officers were called to the Islamic Center shortly before noon Monday and arrived within minutes. They found three adult men dead outside the mosque. The two suspected gunmen, ages 17 and 18, were later found dead a few blocks away from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Police said they are investigating the case as a hate crime.
The Islamic Center identified one victim as Amin Abdullah, a security guard who worshippers said helped protect others. Wahl said Abdullah’s actions may have prevented more deaths. A man who knew Abdullah said he welcomed people warmly and watched over the center. Families said Abdullah was a father of eight.
Police said the violence followed an earlier warning from the mother of one suspect. She reported that her son had left home, may have been suicidal and that several weapons and a vehicle were missing. She also told police he was with another person and that both were wearing camouflage. Officers began searching for the pair before the first emergency calls came from the mosque.
As officers responded to the mosque, a second report came in about shots fired at a landscaper nearby. The landscaper was not injured, and police said they believe that incident is connected to the mosque attack. Investigators were also reviewing writings found as part of the case, but officials had not announced a final motive.
The mosque is in Clairemont, a residential and commercial area north of downtown San Diego. It is the largest mosque in the county and has hosted prayers, classes and community events for years. On Monday, parents waited nearby as police escorted children out of the complex. Images from the scene showed officers on rooftops and streets around the mosque.
Hassane, the mosque’s imam and director, said the center had never faced a tragedy like this. “All the places of worship in our beautiful city should always be protected,” he said. City and state officials praised first responders and said they were monitoring the investigation.
Police said detectives and federal agents are continuing to search homes linked to the suspects, review digital evidence and interview witnesses. Authorities have not released all victim names. The investigation remains open as families prepare for funerals and the mosque community grieves.
Author note: Last updated May 19, 2026.