San Diego Mosque Shooting: Authorities in San Diego continue investigating a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that claimed the lives of three men before the two teenage suspects died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Officials say the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime, shocking communities across the country and prompting increased security at places of worship nationwide.
According to investigators, the suspected shooters have been identified as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez. Police say both teens were found dead inside a vehicle stopped near the mosque shortly after Monday morning’s attack. Authorities believe the pair carried out the shooting before turning the weapons on themselves.
Among those killed was mosque security guard Amin Abdullah, remembered by family and community members as a devoted father of eight who likely prevented even greater tragedy. Friends described Abdullah as a compassionate and welcoming man who greeted everyone with kindness and made people feel safe at the mosque. The identities of the other two victims have not yet been publicly released.
Investigators revealed that, hours before the shooting, police received a report from a parent stating that a juvenile had run away with several firearms, a vehicle, and was possibly suicidal. Authorities later tracked the suspects using license plate readers and surveillance tools throughout San Diego.
Sources familiar with the investigation say anti-Islamic writings were discovered inside the suspects’ vehicle, while federal agents executed search warrants at residences connected to the teens. Law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, continue gathering evidence to determine the motive behind the attack.
In response, police departments in cities including Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago have increased patrols around mosques and houses of worship out of caution and solidarity with affected communities.