Federal and local authorities are investigating a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego as a suspected hate crime and act of domestic terrorism after two heavily armed teenagers opened fire outside the mosque complex, killing three men before taking their own lives.
The attack occurred Monday morning at approximately 11:43 a.m. local time at San Diego County’s largest mosque, which also houses an elementary school attended by more than 140 children.
Officials said the victims’ actions during the attack prevented the gunmen from reaching classrooms filled with students.
FBI Says Suspects Were Radicalized Online
The Federal Bureau of Investigation identified the suspects as Caleb Liam Vazquez, 18, and Cain Lee Clark, 17.
According to FBI Special Agent Mark Remily, investigators believe the teenagers met online before discovering they both lived in the San Diego area. Authorities said the pair later met in person and increasingly shared extremist and racially motivated ideology.
Investigators revealed that hours before the shooting, Clark’s mother contacted police to report her son missing, potentially suicidal, and believed to have taken multiple firearms from the family home.
Search warrants executed at residences connected to the suspects led investigators to recover more than 30 firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and pistols, along with tactical equipment, a crossbow, and materials displaying Nazi symbolism.
Authorities also said the suspects left behind a manifesto containing racist, Islamophobic, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. Officials confirmed evidence suggesting the attackers attempted to livestream portions of the assault.
Security Guard and Worshippers Stopped Larger Massacre
Police said the attack could have resulted in significantly higher casualties if not for the actions of mosque members who confronted the gunmen.
Amin Abdullah, a 51-year-old security guard and father of eight, immediately recognized the threat as the suspects arrived outside the mosque.
Authorities said Abdullah drew his firearm and engaged the attackers in a gunfight while simultaneously triggering emergency lockdown procedures through his radio system.
The lockdown allowed teachers inside the school to secure classrooms containing approximately 140 children.
Officials said the attackers were only a short distance from the school entrance before being delayed by resistance from Abdullah and other worshippers.
Two Other Victims Also Drew Gunmen Away
Authorities identified the other victims as Mansour Kaziha, also known as Abu Ezz, and Nader Awad.
Investigators said Kaziha and Awad intentionally distracted the gunmen by drawing attention through a window, luring them away from the school building and back toward the parking lot.
Officials believe the tactic prevented the attackers from reaching classrooms.
Kaziha had reportedly maintained mosque grounds and operated a convenience store connected to the center for nearly 40 years, while Awad was described as a devoted member of the mosque community whose wife taught at the school.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria praised all three men, calling them examples of “the true spirit” of San Diego.
Gunmen Died After Fleeing Scene
Following resistance from mosque members and activation of emergency procedures, the suspects fled the area in a vehicle, authorities said.
During the escape, investigators reported that the attackers fired at a nearby landscaper, who was not injured.
Police later located the suspects less than a quarter-mile away inside their vehicle, where both teenagers were found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Authorities said no children inside the school were physically harmed during the attack.
National Response and Ongoing Investigation
The shooting has triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders, religious organizations, and civil rights groups across the United States.
Interfaith vigils and memorial services have been held throughout California as communities mourn the victims and call for stronger action against extremist violence and hate crimes.
Federal investigators continue examining the suspects’ online activity, manifesto, and possible connections to extremist networks.
Officials said the terrorism and hate crime investigation remains ongoing.
Sources
Editor: Sudhir Choudhary
Tags: San Diego Mosque Shooting, Hate Crime, FBI, Domestic Terrorism, California, Amin Abdullah, Islamic Center of San Diego, United States
News by The Vagabond News.
