What we know about the San Diego mosque attack suspects

May 19, 2026

Two teenagers, aged 17 and 18, carried out a deadly shooting at a San Diego mosque on Monday that killed three worshippers before the attackers died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a nearby vehicle. Police responded within four minutes of receiving reports about an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where they discovered three victims outside the building, including a heroic security guard who prevented further casualties. Investigators found writings in the suspects' car revealing indiscriminate hatred toward multiple religions and racial groups, prompting authorities to treat the incident as a potential hate crime.

Who is affected

Three victims killed: Amin Abdullah (mosque security guard and father of eight), Nader Awad (whose children grew up in the mosque and whose wife teaches at the mosque school), and Mansour Kaziha (who maintained the mosque's grounds and convenience store)
The Islamic Center of San Diego congregation and community
A landscaper who was shot at but not struck
The two teenage suspects (ages 17 and 18) who died from self-inflicted wounds
The parents of the suspects (whose registered firearms were used)
Council on American-Islamic Relations-San Diego (Cair-SD)

What action is being taken

Police and FBI are investigating the shooting as a possible hate crime
Authorities are analyzing writings and ideologies found in the suspects' vehicle
Investigators are working to determine the intended target location and scope of the threat
Authorities are examining how the suspects were radicalized online

Why it matters

This attack represents a deadly hate crime targeting a religious community at their place of worship, demonstrating the real-world consequences of online radicalization and extremist ideology. The indiscriminate nature of the suspects' hatred—spanning multiple religions and racial groups—highlights the threat posed by broad-spectrum extremism. The heroic actions of security guard Amin Abdullah, who gave his life to stop the attackers and prevent additional casualties, underscore both the vulnerability of faith communities and the courage of those who protect them.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC