Two teenage assailants, 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez, opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 18, killing three people including a security guard named Amin Abdullah, father of eight [1, 2, 3]. Police found the suspects dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds a few blocks from the mosque shortly after the attack [1, 3].

Clark was a high school student enrolled in a virtual learning program in San Diego and was due to graduate in May 2026 [1, 3]. His mother reported him missing and potentially armed and suicidal to police hours before the shooting, raising concerns after missing firearms from their home were also reported [1, 2]. Despite this 911 call and police warnings, the shooting occurred [1, 2].

Investigators recovered 30 firearms and tactical gear from the suspects’ residences during their search [1]. They also found a manifesto and firearms marked with anti-Islamic writings and hate speech expressing broad animosity toward multiple races and religions [1, 2, 3]. Near the crime scene, police discovered a gas can with an SS sticker referencing Nazi Germany’s Schutzstaffel and a crossbow [2, 3]. Authorities are investigating the attack as a hate crime motivated by racist and Islamophobic ideologies [1, 2, 3].

Security guard Amin Abdullah is remembered for his sacrifice. Imam Taha Hassane said, "If it was not for him … The carnage would be much worse. He sacrificed his life" [1]. A fundraiser for Abdullah has raised $1.4 million [2].

Clark was described by family and social media as a standout wrestler [2, 3]. His grandfather, David Clark, said, "We’re very sorry for what happened. We know as much as you do. It’s a shock" [2, 3].

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stated: "At this point, there was definitely hate rhetoric that was involved. I'll leave it at that for now" [3]. The attack comes amid a rise in anti-Muslim discrimination complaints reported by the Council on American-Islamic Relations since 2023, following the war in Gaza [2].

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria faced heckling at a news conference soon after the shooting from a woman blaming his leadership for security failures [2].

On May 19, San Diego police and the FBI held news conferences revealing details about the suspects, the manifesto, and the ongoing investigation [1, 3]. The authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting and the full extent of the suspects' planning.