Gunmen Open Fire at California’s Largest Mosque — 3 Dead, Teen Attackers Kill Themselves
San Diego, California | May 19, 2026A deadly shooting attack struck one of California’s largest mosques in San Diego on Tuesday, leaving three people dead — including a security guard — before both suspected gunmen, aged 17 and 18, were found dead in a nearby vehicle from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.San Diego Police Chief Scott…
San Diego, California | May 19, 2026
A deadly shooting attack struck one of California’s largest mosques in San Diego on Tuesday, leaving three people dead — including a security guard — before both suspected gunmen, aged 17 and 18, were found dead in a nearby vehicle from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed authorities are actively investigating the attack as a hate crime. Approximately 50 to 100 officers arrived at the scene within four minutes of the call, conducting a thorough search of the building, breaking down doors in the process.
Police Chief Wahl praised the security guard’s courage, saying: “He played an absolutely critical role in saving lives and preventing greater loss. He was a hero.”
Minutes after the mosque attack, police received a separate call nearby reporting shots fired at a gardener, who fortunately survived. Shortly after, the two teenage suspects were discovered dead inside a vehicle on Herriton Street, near the mosque.
Investigators revealed that one attacker had stolen the weapons from his parents’ home. One of the firearms had hate-filled slurs written on it, and a suicide note found in the vehicle contained language referencing white supremacy and racial pride.
FBI Special Agent Mark Raimelli confirmed that federal agents, evidence specialists, and victim assistance personnel are working alongside local police. Surveillance footage from the mosque’s security cameras is being examined as evidence.
Both President Donald Trump and California Governor Gavin Newsom were briefed on the incident. President Trump told reporters: “I’ve received early information about the San Diego shooting. It’s an extremely horrific situation, and my administration will be monitoring this closely.”
San Diego Islamic Center Director and Imam Taha Hassan expressed deep sorrow, stating: “Targeting any house of worship in this manner is shameful and absolutely unacceptable. We have never witnessed such devastation here. Our prayers and solidarity are with the affected families.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) noted the attack comes as anti-Muslim hate incidents in the United States have reached a record high, with 8,683 complaints filed in 2025 alone — the largest number ever recorded.
