What we know about the San Diego mosque attack suspects

Authorities say the teenage suspects shared a "broad hatred" of multiple religions and racial groups.

On May 18, 2026, a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego resulted in the deaths of three Muslim community members—security guard Amin Abdullah, and worshippers Mansour Kaziha (Abu Ezz) and Nader Awad. All are being hailed as heroes for their actions that protected others, especially children attending school inside the center. Abdullah initiated a lockdown and engaged in a gunfight with the attackers, delaying their advance and allowing others to hide. Surveillance footage confirmed that no one inside was harmed. The attackers, believed to be radicalized teenage suspects motivated by racist and religious hatred, were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Law enforcement found over 30 weapons and extremist propaganda linked to white supremacist ideologies at their residences and in their vehicle, including a manifesto and Nazi-related symbols. Community leaders, including Imam Taha Hassane, remembered the deceased for their devotion and service, noting the community had long feared such attacks.

On Monday, a tragic shooting occurred at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the city’s largest mosque, resulting in the deaths of three men, including a guard whose heroic actions may have saved lives. The two teenage suspects, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a nearby vehicle. The incident is being investigated as a hate crime due to the discovery of anti-Islamic writing in the suspects' car and hate speech inscribed on one of the firearms. Additionally, a suicide note found included writings about racial pride. Authorities launched a search after the mother of the 17-year-old suspect reported him missing with several weapons. In response, political leaders condemned the violence and pledged heightened security at religious institutions across San Diego and other cities.

A deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego has been classified as a hate crime after investigators uncovered hate speech and anti-Islamic and racial pride writings inside the suspects’ car and on one of the firearms used. Seventeen-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Velasquez, reportedly responsible for the attack, were found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Prior to the attack, one suspect’s mother contacted police, expressing concern that her son was suicidal and had taken her vehicle and firearms. Law enforcement was searching for the teens when the active shooter situation unfolded, resulting in the deaths of three people. One victim, identified by community members as security guard Amin Abdullah, has been praised for his actions, which police believe prevented a larger massacre. The attackers also injured a landscaper during their escape, though his helmet appeared to deflect the bullet. The Islamic Center has since announced its temporary closure, citing shock and grief over the unprecedented hate-fueled violence, while local authorities continue their investigation.