A shooting occurred on May 18 at the Islamic Center of San Diego, which also houses an Islamic day school, killing three adults affiliated with the center, police said [1, 2]. Among the victims was a security guard who helped reduce casualties during the attack [1].
Two attackers, aged 17 and 18, died at the scene. Authorities say both apparently killed themselves using a stolen car they used to reach the mosque [1].
San Diego police Chief Scott Wahl said the attack is being investigated as a hate crime. "At this point, there was definitely hate rhetoric that was involved," Wahl said. "There was generalized hate rhetoric and speech, but no specific threat was made to any facility or any place" [1].
A nine-year-old boy who was inside the mosque during the shooting described hearing between 12 to 16 gunshots and hiding in a closet with classmates to stay safe. "My legs were shaking and my hands and my head were like hurting a lot. I felt like a rock," he said [1]. The boy’s mother emigrated from Gaza and settled in southern California about 20 years ago [1, 2].
Eyewitness Odai Shanah said, "We saw a bunch of bad stuff, people laying down and yeah, bad stuff" as the attack unfolded [1].
The investigation into the motives and exact circumstances remains ongoing. The Islamic Center has yet to announce any changes to security measures or reopening plans following the incident [1].
