San Diego mosque shooting fears grew after three men died and two teen suspects were found dead nearby.
Three men were killed Monday, May 18, 2026, after two teenage suspects opened fire outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, police said. The mosque sits in the Clairemont neighborhood and serves as the largest mosque in San Diego County.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators are treating the attack as a possible hate crime. He said police made that call because the shooting happened at an Islamic center and investigators found hate related material tied to the case, according to The Associated Press.
Security Guard Among Three Victims
A mosque security guard was among the three men killed, police said. Officials said his actions helped stop the attack from becoming even worse.
The Islamic Center of San Diego also includes a school. Children were on the campus when the shooting happened, but officials said they were safe and later escorted away from the area.
Aerial footage showed children walking out of the parking lot while police vehicles surrounded the mosque. The scene left many families shaken in a neighborhood filled with homes, apartments, markets, and restaurants.
Police Say Two Teen Suspects Died Nearby
Police said officers responded to reports of an active shooter around late Monday morning. Officers later found two teenage suspects dead in a vehicle a few blocks from the mosque, according to Reuters.
Chief Wahl said officers did not fire their weapons. Police have not released the suspects’ names through official channels.
The FBI joined the investigation. Authorities continue to review evidence, including possible hate related messages and the suspects’ actions before the shooting.
Faith Leaders Say the Mosque Served the Wider Community
Imam Taha Hassane stood beside police officials after the attack and described the Islamic center as a place built around service and understanding. He said a group of non Muslim visitors had toured the mosque earlier Monday to learn about Islam.
The mosque’s public mission says it serves the Muslim community and works with people of all faiths to support those in need. The center also holds daily prayers and offers religious and Arabic language classes for children.
That mission made the attack feel even more painful for community members. A place known for outreach and education suddenly became the center of a deadly police investigation.
Newsom and Local Officials Respond
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said he had been briefed on the shooting. His office thanked first responders and urged the public to follow local safety guidance.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also responded at the scene as police worked to secure the area. Local officials asked residents to stay away from the mosque while investigators processed evidence.
NBC San Diego reported that a reunification site was set up for families after the attack. Read local updates from NBC 7 San Diego.
Why the Investigation Matters
The shooting raises new fears about attacks on houses of worship in the United States. Federal officials define hate crimes as crimes motivated by bias against race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.
The U.S. Justice Department says hate crimes can harm both direct victims and entire communities. Read more from the U.S. Department of Justice.
For San Diego’s Muslim community, the question now reaches beyond what happened Monday. Families want to know why their mosque was targeted and whether officials can prevent another attack on a place meant for prayer, school, and community life.