San Diego, May 18, 2026 (Agencies) – Three men were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, while two suspected teenage attackers also died, police said. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime.
Police responded to reports of an active shooter at the mosque, located on Eckstrom Avenue in the Clairemont area, at about 11:40am local time. A large emergency response was launched, and officials later confirmed the threat had been “neutralized.”
One of the victims is believed to have been a security guard who, according to investigators, played a “pivotal role” in preventing the attack from becoming “much worse.”
The mosque complex also houses Al Rashid School, but officials confirmed that no students, teachers, or staff were injured. Aerial footage showed children being escorted away as police secured the area.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the suspects, aged 17 and 19, appeared to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. “There were no officers involved in firing their weapons,” Wahl noted, while stressing that the investigation remains in its early stages.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria assured residents that emergency personnel were working to protect the community, while California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the situation and urged the public to follow local authorities’ guidance.