Credited from: LEMONDE
A shooting on May 18 at the Islamic Center of San Diego resulted in the deaths of three individuals, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Police arrived within minutes of receiving calls about an active shooter and found the victims outside the mosque complex. The two teen suspects, aged 17 and 19, later took their own lives in a vehicle nearby, according to police reports from multiple sources including Middle East Eye, Le Monde, and India Times.
The San Diego Police Department confirmed that a mosque security guard was among those killed, further categorizing the incident as a hate crime. Police Chief Scott Wahl stated during a press conference that the area was placed under lockdown as emergency services secured the scene. Witnesses reported seeing numerous police vehicles surrounding the location while children were escorted to safety from the mosque’s vicinity, as reported by Le Monde and India Times.
Following the incident, California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his appreciation for the first responders and reiterated the importance of community safety. The Islamic Center of San Diego is recognized as the largest mosque in the county, emphasizing its role in promoting interfaith relations and community support. Imam Taha Hassane described the shooting as an unprecedented tragedy for the center and called for prayers and support for the victims' families, as noted by Middle East Eye and India Times.