A deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in southern California has left three people dead. Two teenage suspects were later found dead inside a vehicle from suspected self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The incident triggered panic across the area. Heavily armed emergency response teams flooded the mosque complex after reports of an active shooter situation.
Television footage showed officers surrounding the building. One victim was seen lying in a pool of blood outside the facility.
San Diego police said officers arrived within minutes after receiving emergency calls about gunfire. Police Chief Scott Wahl told reporters that officers found three victims dead outside the mosque upon arrival.
“We received a call of an active shooter at the Islamic center. Within four minutes, officers arrived and observed immediately three deceased victims out in front,” Wahl said.
Authorities launched an active shooter response inside the mosque and its adjacent school. There were fears that more attackers could still be inside.
Police also responded to reports of additional gunfire nearby, where a landscaper reportedly came under attack but escaped unharmed.
Investigators later discovered a vehicle parked in the middle of a nearby street. Inside were the two suspected gunmen, aged 19 and 17, both dead. Police said they appeared to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
“The suspects at this point appear to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. There were no officers involved in firing their weapons,” Wahl added.
Authorities confirmed that one of the victims was a security guard working at the mosque complex. The identities of the other victims had not been released.
The imam of the mosque, Taha Hassane, expressed shock. “We have never experienced tragedy like this before. At this moment, all that I can say is sending our prayers and standing in solidarity with all the families in our community here.”
He condemned the targeting of a religious centre, describing the attack as “extremely outrageous.”
Donald Trump described the shooting as a “terrible situation,” adding that officials were closely monitoring developments. California Governor Gavin Newsom was also briefed on the attack.
The Muslim community is in mourning. America is shaken. And questions remain about what led two teenagers to open fire at a place of worship.
