Teenage Gunmen Open Fire At San Diego Mosque, Kill 3 Men Before Dying By Suicide

A suspected hate-motivated attack at the Islamic Centre of San Diego left three worshippers dead after two teenage gunmen opened fire inside the mosque complex before later dying by suicide, bringing the total death toll to five.

Police identified the attackers as males aged 17 and 18. The incident occurred during daytime prayer hours at the city’s largest mosque, which also includes a school. Authorities said the case is being treated as a planned extremist attack , though the motive is still under investigation.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said one suspect’s mother contacted police earlier after her son went missing with multiple firearms and a vehicle , also expressing concern over suicidal intent. “She was trying to give us a bigger picture of what she was dealing with,” Wahl said.

Officers were searching for the teens when the attack began. The suspects were later found dead in a vehicle nearby, apparently from self-inflicted gunshot wounds .

A mosque security guard was killed while confronting the attackers. Officials said he likely prevented further casualties, calling his response heroic and life-saving .

Police arrived within minutes of emergency calls. During the incident, a landscaper nearby was also targeted but escaped unharmed.

All children at the mosque’s school were safely evacuated. Imam Taha Hassane condemned the attack, calling it “extremely outrageous to target a place of worship.”

Investigators found hate rhetoric and anti-Islamic writings linked to the suspects. Officials are reviewing whether online radicalisation or broader influences were involved.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) urged calm and stronger protections for religious sites. Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said he was being briefed and praised first responders.