5 dead, including suspects, after San Diego mosque shooting

Two suspected shooters opened fire Monday at a San Diego mosque, where authorities said three men were killed.

The shooters are also dead — both male, aged 17 and 18 — according to San Diego police.

San Diego police Chief Scott Wahl said the case is considered to be a hate crime, and there is no longer a threat to the public. The FBI is also investigating.

View image in full screen

Police received a call about an active shooter at 11:43 a.m. local time and arrived at the scene about four minutes later, where they believed multiple people had been shot in front of the mosque. Wahl added that “at about the same time,” police began receiving calls for reports of more gunfire “a couple of blocks away.”

4:47 Police investigating, dub San Diego mosque shooting “hate crime” after 5 dead, including 2 suspects

Wahl said the specific circumstances of how the attack unfolded, including exact times and locations, will be announced in the coming days as the investigation continues.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Among those killed was a mosque security guard, who police believe “played a pivotal role” in keeping the attack from being “much worse,” Wahl said.

Wahl said the shooters were found dead in a vehicle stopped nearby in the middle of a road. He added that it is believed the suspects died from self-inflicted wounds.

The scene at the Islamic Center of San Diego has since been contained, according to authorities, but is still active.

The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in San Diego County, according to its website, and is located about nine miles (14 kilometres) north of downtown San Diego.

The campus includes the Al Rashid School, which the website says offers courses in Arabic language, Islamic studies and the Qur’an.

4:14 ‘He was my protector’: Daughter of slain security guard honours father after mosque shooting

Aerial TV footage showed more than a dozen children holding hands and being walked out of the parking lot of the centre, which is surrounded by scores of police vehicles. The white mosque is in a neighbourhood of homes, apartments and strip malls with Middle Eastern restaurants and markets.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said he was being briefed.

“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.

The Islamic Center’s website says its mission is to not only serve the Muslim population but also “work with the larger community to serve the less fortunate, to educate, and to better our nation.”

1:43 5 dead, including suspects, after San Diego mosque shooting

Five daily prayers are held there, and the mosque works with other organizations and people of all faiths on social causes.

— with a file from The Associated Press