San Diego Islamic Center shooting: Three killed in possible hate crime, police confirm both suspects dead

Three men were killed in a shooting Monday (May 18) at an Islamic center in San Diego that authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime, according to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl.

Police said both suspects are dead. Chief Wahl said investigators believe both suspects were teenagers, although their identities and exact ages have not yet been released.

The shooting happened at the Islamic Center in the Clairemont neighborhood, about 9 miles north of downtown San Diego. The mosque is the largest in San Diego County and serves as a major religious and community center for the region’s Muslim population.

Authorities have not released how the suspects died or whether they were killed during the confrontation with law enforcement. Earlier in the day, officials confirmed that several people had been shot at the complex.

The AP reported that a police source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the investigation publicly, confirmed that both suspects were dead by Monday evening.

Heavy law enforcement presence and evacuation of children

Television footage showed a massive law enforcement presence around the mosque complex, with streets blocked off and tactical officers securing the area. More than a dozen children were seen holding hands as police escorted them out of the parking lot.

The mosque campus includes the Al Rashid School, which offers Arabic language instruction, Islamic studies, and Quranic instruction. It remains unclear whether students or school staff were among the victims or witnesses.

Neighborhood on alert during investigation

The area around the mosque includes houses, apartment buildings and businesses, including Middle Eastern restaurants and markets. Residents were asked to avoid the area while investigators processed the scene.

Mayor Todd Gloria said in a statement on X that he was receiving updates from law enforcement during the incident.

Mayor Todd Gloria is monitoring the situation

“I am aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont and continue to receive updates from law enforcement. Emergency personnel are on the scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area,” the mayor wrote.

This was reported by Governor Gavin Newsom

Gavin Newsom’s office also confirmed the governor had been briefed on the development.

“We are grateful to the first responders on the scene who are working to protect the community and encourage everyone to follow the instructions from local authorities,” the governor’s office said on X.

The Islamic Center campus also includes the Al Rashid School, which offers Arabic language and Islamic studies courses. It was not immediately clear whether students or school staff were present during the incident.

The investigation into the motive and suspects is ongoing

Law enforcement officials continue to investigate a motive for the shooting and whether other suspects may have been involved. Authorities urged residents to avoid the area while the investigation is active.

More updates are expected as police release more information about the victims, the suspect and the circumstances of the attack.