Overview of the San Diego Mosque Shooting
Authorities are currently investigating a tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the Clairemont neighborhood. The incident occurred on May 18, around 11:43 a.m. Pacific Time, when two suspects opened fire, killing three men before taking their own lives. The shooting has prompted a hate crime investigation, with officials emphasizing that the attack was motivated by hate rhetoric.
Details of the Incident
Shortly before noon on May 18, police received a call regarding an active shooter at the Islamic Center, which also houses a school. A second call came in about a landscaper being shot nearby. Officers arrived at the scene within minutes and found three men dead outside the mosque. They then entered the mosque to search for suspects.
A few minutes later, officers were called to another location nearby where a vehicle was found in the middle of the street. Two suspected shooters were discovered inside the vehicle, who had died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Victims and Their Impact
The security guard who died during the shooting has been identified as Amin Abdullah. The San Diego branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations confirmed his identity to USA TODAY. An online fundraiser organized by CAIR San Diego and the mosque has already raised over $1.5 million in less than 24 hours.
According to the fundraiser, Abdullah was a husband and father. He was described as more than just a guard; he was the first face of the community for anyone entering the mosque and the last line of defense when it mattered most. His actions are credited with preventing a worse outcome.
"We do believe the security guard was able to help at least minimize the situation to the front area of the mosque," said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. "I don't want to speculate, but at this point I think it's fair to say his actions were heroic, and undoubtedly he saved lives today."
Authorities have not yet identified the other two victims, though they have informed family members. The Islamic Center released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the three men, whom they described as "pillars of our community." They highlighted the significance of the security guard, who gave his life protecting the children and community members of the masjid. Another victim was noted as the foundation of the masjid, while the third was described as a valiant brother whose kindness touched everyone around him.
Suspects and Motive
The suspects involved in the shooting were 17 and 18 years old, although their identities have not been released. About two hours before the shooting was reported, the mother of one of the suspects contacted police to report that three of her weapons, her car, and her son were missing. She believed her son was suicidal and mentioned that he was with a companion wearing camouflage. This information led police to suspect something serious was unfolding.
Police used automated license plate recognition to track the missing vehicle and responded to a mall as a possible threat location. They also dispatched to the area of the school associated with one of the teens, although it was later learned that he attended a virtual online program.
Reports of the shooting came in while police were still working to locate the suspects. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the full story behind the tragic event.
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