Three people have been killed in a shooting at a mosque in San Diego, California, which officials believe was perpetrated by two teenage attackers.
The attack took place on Monday morning as officers were investigating a call about a possibly suicidal teen who had run away from home.
Police received an alert about the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego and found three victims shot in front of the building.
Shortly after, they received reports of shots fired from a vehicle nearby, where the suspects – aged 17 and 18 – were later found dead from self-inflicted wounds in their vehicle not far from the mosque.
Among the victims was a security guard who worked at the center and prevented further casualties, according to officials.
The FBI is investigating the incident as a hate crime due to writings found by the mother of one suspect, suggesting potential motives of bias.
Police were called to the mosque at 11:43 local time and observed three deceased individuals outside, confirmed San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl.
There were no officers involved in firing their weapons, Wahl stated, indicating no sign of an active gunman at the scene.
Just two hours prior to the shooting, one suspect's mother reported him missing and mentioned he had taken several guns and her car.
This incident raises grave concerns, as it occurred days before Eid al-Adha, a significant holiday in the Muslim community.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed horror at the attack, emphasizing that such acts of terror against faith-based communities will not be tolerated.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, with one describing up to 30 shots fired from what appeared to be a semi-automatic weapon. The mosque was bustling with activity as children were present when the incident unfolded.
The Islamic Center's director, Imam Taha Hassane, condemned the attack, stating a house of worship should never be a battlefield.
The FBI has urged anyone with further information to come forward as investigations continue into the tragic event.
