A deadly shooting at a San Diego mosque left three men dead, including a heroic security guard, and is being investigated as a hate crime. The two teenage suspects, aged 17 and 18, were found dead in a vehicle nearby after taking their own lives.
Police were already searching for two missing teenagers, aged 17 and 18, when a deadly shooting erupted at a San Diego mosque, ultimately claiming three lives. The suspects were later found dead by suicide in a vehicle a few blocks from the scene. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime, as authorities found evidence of "generalized hate rhetoric" by the suspects, despite no specific threat against the Islamic center. Among those killed was Amin Abdullah, a security guard hailed as a hero for his actions, which police believe prevented a much worse outcome. The mosque, the largest in San Diego, mourned the loss, particularly Abdullah, who had served for over a decade. Law enforcement had been tracking the teens, one of whom was dressed in camouflage, using automated license plate readers before the shooting. Upon receiving reports of the attack, police responded within four minutes. The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the violence, and President Donald Trump called it a "terrible situation." Authorities are executing search warrants to further understand the motive and events.
