US authorities investigate 'hate crime' motive in San Diego Mosque shooting

A shooting at a mosque complex in the US state of California left three people dead and triggered a hate crime investigation. The attack took place at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, one of the largest mosques in the region, causing panic among worshippers and nearby residents.

The victims, all men, were
found outside the mosque complex on Monday after emergency teams responded to reports of an active shooter. Police later discovered the two suspected attackers, aged 17 and 18, dead inside a vehicle a few blocks away. Investigators believe the teenagers died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

According to AFP, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said that investigators were treating the case as a possible hate crime because evidence of hate rhetoric had emerged during the
early stages of the inquiry. Television footage from the scene showed heavily armed officers surrounding the area as police secured the mosque and nearby school buildings, the report said.

Police response and investigation

According to the report, police officers reached the Islamic centre within minutes of receiving emergency calls about gunfire. After finding the victims, security teams moved quickly through the mosque and adjacent school to make sure no additional attackers were present. Authorities later confirmed that the threat had been contained.

Investigators also examined reports of another shooting nearby in which a landscaper was fired upon but escaped unharmed. Officials believe the incidents may be connected.

The report identifies the suspects as Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, citing law enforcement officials. Police said one of the victims was a security guard at the mosque whose actions may have prevented a larger tragedy.

Warning signs before attack

Police revealed that the mother of one of the suspects had contacted authorities nearly two hours before the attack. She reportedly told officers that her son was suicidal, had taken several weapons and her vehicle, and was accompanied by another person dressed in camouflage clothing.

Investigators later found a suicide note containing racist and extremist language. Media reports also said hateful messages were written on one of the weapons recovered from the suspects’ vehicle.

Reactions from leaders

The imam at the mosque, Taha Hassane, told AFP that the mosque community was devastated by the attack but confirmed that all children and staff at the mosque school were safe.

US President Donald Trump described the shooting as a terrible incident, while New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani called it an apparent act of anti-Muslim violence. Mamdani also said police presence around mosques in New York had been increased as a precaution.

I am horrified by the deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, an apparent act of anti-Muslim violence.

Islamophobia endangers Muslim communities across this country. We must confront it directly and stand together against the politics of fear and division. My thoughts…

— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) May 18, 2026

California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the attack and said people should never fear for their safety while worshipping.