TerrorAttack – San Diego Mosque Shooting Leaves Three Dead, Sparks Hate Crime Investigation

TerrorAttack –  A deadly shooting at a mosque in San Diego, California, has left three people dead and prompted a major hate crime investigation by local authorities. Police said two teenage suspects opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego before later taking their own lives nearby.

According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, investigators have not identified any direct threat previously made against the mosque. However, evidence collected so far indicates the suspects had been involved in what officials described as “generalized hate rhetoric.” Authorities have not yet disclosed further details about the materials or online activity connected to the teenagers.

Search for Missing Teen Escalated Before Shooting

Police revealed that officers had already been searching for one of the suspects before the attack occurred. The teenager’s mother reportedly contacted authorities earlier in the day after her son left home while experiencing suicidal thoughts. Officials said firearms were missing from the residence, along with the family vehicle.

The investigation became more urgent after officers learned the teen was dressed in camouflage clothing and was accompanied by another individual. Police used automated license plate recognition systems and other tracking tools in an effort to locate the pair. Officers also alerted local schools connected to the suspects and responded to areas where the vehicle had reportedly been seen.

While authorities were continuing interviews with the suspect’s family, emergency calls came in reporting gunfire at the mosque.

Security Guard Credited With Preventing Greater Loss

Among those killed was a security guard identified by family friends as Amin Abdullah, who had reportedly worked at the mosque for over ten years. Police officials said his actions during the attack likely prevented additional casualties.

Chief Wahl described Abdullah’s response as courageous, stating that his intervention may have saved multiple lives. Community members remembered him as a dedicated figure who had long focused on protecting worshippers and supporting the mosque’s activities.

Religious scholar Shaykh Uthman Ibn Farooq said Abdullah chose security work because he wanted to protect innocent people. Family members had not publicly commented by Monday evening.

Police Response and Scene Investigation

Authorities said officers arrived at the Islamic Center within four minutes of receiving emergency calls. As police reached the area, additional gunfire was reported several blocks away, where a landscaper was targeted but escaped without injury.

The suspects were later found dead inside a vehicle stopped in the roadway nearby. Investigators believe the teenagers died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds following the attack.

Television footage from the scene showed children being escorted out of the mosque complex while heavily armed police officers secured the surrounding neighborhood. The mosque is located in a diverse community containing apartment buildings, local businesses, Middle Eastern restaurants, and family homes.

Parents gathered at a designated reunification point to safely collect their children after the evacuation.

Mosque Leaders Condemn Violence

Imam Taha Hassane, director of the Islamic Center of San Diego, strongly condemned the shooting and called for stronger protection of religious institutions.

He noted that the mosque regularly promotes interfaith dialogue and community outreach efforts. Earlier on the same day as the attack, a group of non-Muslim visitors had reportedly toured the center to learn more about Islam and local community programs.

The Islamic Center is one of the largest mosques in San Diego County and also operates educational programs for children through the Al Rashid School. The institution hosts daily prayers and works alongside organizations from different faith backgrounds on charitable and social initiatives.

National Reactions Continue After Attack

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), one of the country’s largest Muslim advocacy organizations, issued a statement condemning the violence and expressing support for the victims and their families.

CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam said no individual should fear attending religious services or educational programs because of safety concerns.

President Donald Trump also reacted publicly, describing the incident as a “terrible situation.”

Federal and local investigators are continuing to examine whether the shooting was motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. Authorities have urged the public to remain patient while evidence is reviewed and additional details are confirmed.