At least three people have been killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the United States, in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime.
According to police, two teenage suspects, aged 17 and 18, were also found dead from suspected self-inflicted gunshot wounds following the attack at the mosque and school facility located in the Clairemont area of San Diego.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the shooting left three adult men dead, including a security guard believed to have prevented further casualties during the attack.
“At this point, I think it’s fair to say his actions were heroic. Undoubtedly, he saved lives today,” Wahl told reporters.
Authorities disclosed that one suspect’s mother had earlier contacted police to report that her son had gone missing along with firearms and a vehicle. Officers later responded to reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center shortly before noon local time.
Investigators are examining anti-Islamic writings allegedly found inside the suspects’ vehicle, while police say “hate rhetoric” was involved in the incident.
Director and Imam of the Islamic Center, Taha Hassane, condemned the violence and called for tolerance and unity.
“My community is mourning. The religious intolerance and the hate that unfortunately exists in our nation is unprecedented,” he said. “It’s a house of worship. It’s not a battlefield.”
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also denounced the attack, declaring that “Islamophobia has no home in San Diego.”
The attack occurred during Dhu’l-Hijja, one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.
