Teen suspects fatally shoot three in suspected hate crime at San Diego mosque

May 19, 2026

Two teenage suspects, aged 17 and 18, killed three people in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego before dying by suicide in their vehicle nearby. The attack occurred Monday morning, approximately two hours after one suspect's mother contacted police reporting that her son had taken her guns and car and might be suicidal. Among the victims was a security guard whose actions prevented greater casualties, according to authorities who praised his heroic response.

Who is affected

Three deceased victims at the mosque, including a security guard who was a father of eight
The two teenage suspects (aged 17 and 18) who died by suicide
Students and staff at the Al Rashid School housed within the Islamic Center campus
A landscaper who was shot at but uninjured
The broader Muslim community at the Islamic Center of San Diego
The mother of one suspect who reported him missing
Students and staff at nearby schools that were placed on lockdown

What action is being taken

Police are investigating the incident as a suspected hate crime
The FBI is appealing to the public for information to assist the investigation
Officers are examining writings and a note left by one suspect containing hate rhetoric

Why it matters

This attack represents a violent targeting of a religious institution and its community, with authorities treating it as a suspected hate crime that threatened the safety of a place of worship. The timing is particularly significant as it occurred days before Eid al-Adha, one of Islam's holiest seasons, affecting the Muslim community's ability to worship peacefully during an important religious period. The incident also highlights ongoing concerns about hate-motivated violence against faith communities and the vulnerability of houses of worship to such attacks.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC