Three people were killed in a shooting Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the Claremont Mesa neighborhood, police confirmed. Authorities also said both suspected shooters were dead.
What we know about the suspect
At the press conference, san diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said both suspects are believed to be teenagers. According to Fox News reporter Bill Melugin, the suspects are 17 and 19 years old. Three adults were killed in the incident, including a security guard. Authorities believe both attackers committed suicide after the shooting. Wahl said the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
About shooting
Shortly before 11:40 a.m., multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the mosque following reports of a possible shooting.
The San Diego Police Department later confirmed officers were responding to a shooting at the location.
“SDPD is on scene at the San Diego Islamic Center in the 7000 block of Ekstrom Avenue for a reported active shooter,” the department said in a post on X. “Please avoid the area.”
Video circulates on social media It appears to show at least one person injured at the scene, but authorities have not independently verified all of the footage.
Mayor responds
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria praised the police’s quick response and expressed support for the community.
“I want to say a huge thank you to the incredible law enforcement response that we saw here today,” he said at a news conference. “As the chief mentioned, respond within four minutes. That’s what we train for. That’s what we budget for. That’s what we ask of our public safety professionals, and they absolutely delivered the way we asked them to.”
He also addressed the city’s Muslim community, saying officials would do everything possible to ensure the safety of religious institutions.
“I want to reassure our Muslim community that we will do everything we can to ensure you feel safe in this city and we will leave no stone unturned. And to ensure our religious institutions and sites are protected during this sensitive time,” he said. “But I will reiterate this, as I always will. Hate has no place in the city of San Diego.”
FBI investigation
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on
About the mosque
The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in San Diego County. It is located approximately 9 miles (14 kilometers) north of downtown San Diego at 7050 Eckstrom Avenue, near Balboa Boulevard.
The campus also includes the Rashid Islamic Institute, which offers courses in Arabic, Islamic studies and the Qur’an.
