3 Killed In Shooting At San Diego’s Largest Mosque As Police Probe Hate Crime

Three people, including a security guard described as “heroic,” were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in the city, in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime.

The attack occurred on Monday in the Clairemont neighbourhood of San Diego, California, prompting a heavy response from local police, federal agents, and emergency services as investigators moved quickly to secure the area and assess the motive behind the incident.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed that three adult males died in the shooting. He said one of the victims was a security guard stationed at the mosque, whose actions, according to preliminary findings, helped prevent what could have been a higher casualty toll.

“The guard was heroic and saved lives today,” Wahl said, adding that investigators were still determining the exact sequence of events, including whether the guard engaged the attackers during the incident.

A friend of the deceased guard, identified as Sam Hamideh, described him as a devoted family man and father of eight children, who was deeply committed to protecting worshippers at the mosque.

Authorities said the two suspected attackers, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead inside a vehicle parked near the mosque. Police believe they died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds after the attack.

“The vehicle was found in the middle of the street with the suspected shooters dead inside,” Wahl said, noting that investigators recovered multiple firearms from the scene.

Law enforcement officials told CNN that investigators also discovered hate-related writings on one of the weapons used in the attack. A suicide note containing references to racial ideology was reportedly found inside the vehicle.

While officials did not immediately disclose the full content of the writings, Chief Wahl said the messages “covered a wide gamut” and appeared to reflect generalised extremist or hate ideology, rather than a specific threat directed solely at the Islamic Center.

Police said the investigation began earlier on Monday after officers received a report concerning a “runaway juvenile,” which later became linked to the suspects involved in the shooting.

According to Wahl, the mother of one suspect had contacted authorities, reporting that her son was suicidal and missing from home with three firearms. He was also reportedly accompanied by another individual dressed in camouflage clothing.

As officers launched a search operation for the teenagers, authorities discovered that one of the suspects had ties to Madison High School, prompting an immediate alert to school officials as a precautionary measure.

Officials also confirmed a second shooting incident occurred nearby while officers were responding to the mosque attack. In that incident, a landscaper was reportedly targeted but survived after a bullet struck his helmet, preventing a potentially fatal injury.

Investigators are now working to establish whether both incidents are connected and to determine the full motive behind the attacks. They are also reviewing digital evidence, witness accounts, and recovered materials from the suspects’ vehicle.

Authorities said the identities of the victims will be released after their families have been formally notified, while enhanced security measures remain in place around religious facilities across the city as investigations continue.