Authorities report that three men were killed in a shooting at an Islamic center in San Diego, where two teenage suspects later took their own lives.
SAN DIEGO (AP) — A tragic shooting at an Islamic center in San Diego has left three men dead, with authorities confirming that the two teenage suspects responsible for the attack also took their own lives.
According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, the suspects were found deceased in a vehicle that was stopped on a nearby road. Among the victims was a security guard, highlighting the severity of the incident, which is being investigated as a hate crime.
On Monday afternoon, aerial footage captured a significant police presence outside the mosque, which is located in a residential neighborhood approximately nine miles north of downtown San Diego. The Islamic center is known as the largest mosque in San Diego County and houses the Al Rashid School, offering courses in Arabic language, Islamic studies, and the Quran.
Imam Taha Hassane, the director of the Islamic Center, emphasized the mosque’s commitment to fostering interfaith relations within the community. He shared that earlier that day, a group of non-Muslims had been touring the mosque to learn more about the Muslim faith.
The center’s mission extends beyond serving the Muslim population; it aims to collaborate with the broader community to assist the less fortunate, educate, and contribute positively to society. The mosque hosts five daily prayers and actively engages with various organizations and individuals of all faiths on social issues.
In response to the shooting, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office stated that he is receiving regular updates on the situation. “We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities,” his office posted on the social platform X.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available, according to Associated Press.