Two teenage suspects, aged 17 and 18, carried out a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, May 18, starting around 11:43 a.m. local time [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. Three people were killed in the attack, including mosque security guard Amin Abdullah, who was praised by police for heroically delaying the attackers and saving lives [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]. The other two victims were identified as Nader Awad and Mansour Kaziha [2, 3].
Police arrived at the mosque about four minutes after receiving the report of an active shooter and found three men fatally shot outside the building [2, 5, 6]. No officers fired their weapons during the incident, according to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, who said, "There were no officers involved in firing their weapons" [1, 4, 6].
At the time of the shooting, about 140 children were inside the mosque’s school, which offers Islamic and Arabic courses. None of the children were harmed [3, 4, 5]. Chief Wahl described the scene: "Watching kids come running out, just thankful to be alive" [6].
The two suspects later died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside a vehicle a short distance from the mosque. Police reported that shots were fired a few blocks away at a landscaper prior to finding the suspects deceased nearby [1, 2, 4, 5].
Earlier on Monday at 9:42 a.m., police were called by the mother of one suspect who reported her son missing with guns and a car, fearing he was suicidal [1, 2, 4, 6]. Searches of the suspects' homes uncovered dozens of guns, ammunition, tactical gear, electronics and extremist writings expressing hate rhetoric, leading police to investigate the incident as a possible hate crime [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said, "His actions were heroic and he [the security guard] undoubtedly saved lives today" [2]. Imam Taha Hassane called for protection of all places of worship, stating, "All the places of worship in our beautiful city should always be protected" [5]. Wahl added, "We have never experienced tragedy like this before. Sending our prayers and standing in solidarity with all the families in our community here" [4].
The investigation continues, with authorities examining the motives and the background of the suspects. The community remains on alert as officials prepare updates on the probe.
