San Diego Mosque Attack Kills Three Who Tried to Stop Gunmen

San Diego police responded to reports of gunfire at the Islamic Center of San Diego shortly before midday prayers on Monday, finding three adult men dead outside the facility. The victims included a security guard described by officials as having played a decisive role in limiting further casualties. Authorities are investigating the attack as a possible hate crime after discovering anti-Islamic writings in a vehicle linked to the two teenage suspects, who were later found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds several blocks away.

The incident unfolded roughly two hours after the mother of one suspect contacted police to report that her 17-year-old son had left home with multiple firearms, her vehicle, and an acquaintance. She described him as potentially suicidal and noted that both young men were wearing camouflage. Officers from the San Diego Police Department used license plate readers and other tools to search for the pair across the city, including at a local mall and a school one of them had attended.

At 11:43 a.m., a 911 call came in from the mosque complex on Eckstrom Avenue in the Clairemont neighborhood. Responding officers arrived within four minutes and observed the three victims outside the main building. Police Chief Scott Wahl later told reporters that the scene was chaotic but that officers cleared the premises without firing their weapons. The security guard, identified by acquaintances as Amin Abdullah, a father of eight, was among those killed. Wahl credited his actions with preventing a larger tragedy, saying they were heroic and had undoubtedly saved lives.

Investigators recovered firearms bearing the phrase hate speech and noted writings in the suspects vehicle that expressed anti-Islamic sentiments. The FBI is assisting with the inquiry and has established a tip line for public information. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria confirmed that the case is being treated as a hate crime given the location and the evidence recovered so far. No motive has been officially established, though officials said the presumption of bias stems directly from the target and the materials found with the perpetrators.

The two suspects have been identified as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez. Both died inside the vehicle after what police described as self-inflicted wounds. Neighbors near the mosque reported hearing multiple shots and seeing the security guard struck while attempting to intervene. One resident told reporters she witnessed the guard hit by at least two rounds before the attackers fled the scene.

The Islamic Center of San Diego serves as the largest mosque in San Diego County and functions as a central gathering place for the local Muslim community. The attack occurred outside the front of the building, sparing those inside who were preparing for prayers. Community leaders have not yet released public statements, though officials noted that support services are being coordinated for affected families and worshippers.

Police emphasized that the mothers alert provided critical early information that allowed officers to begin searching before the shooting took place. The rapid response once shots were reported limited the time the gunmen spent at the site. Authorities continue to review digital records and other materials recovered from the vehicle as they work to understand how the two teenagers planned the attack and what prompted their actions. The investigation remains active with federal and local agencies collaborating on evidence collection and witness interviews.