Deadly shooting outside San Diego mosque sparks hate crime investigation

A deadly shooting outside a major mosque in San Diego shocked California on Monday after two teenage attackers opened fire near worshippers and students gathered inside the Islamic centre. The violence left five people dead, including the two suspected gunmen, and triggered a large-scale hate crime investigation involving local police and federal agencies.

The attack took place shortly before noon outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, one of the largest Muslim community institutions in southern California. According to investigators, panic spread quickly across the complex as gunfire erupted near the entrance area.

Police officers rushed to the scene within minutes. Authorities later found three adult men dead outside the building. Among them was a security guard who confronted the attackers during the shooting. Investigators believe his actions may have prevented a far greater tragedy inside the crowded premises.

Inside the mosque complex, teachers and staff immediately moved children into secure areas. Officials later confirmed that every student attending the day school inside the campus remained safe. Parents gathered outside the area through the afternoon as police sealed roads and searched nearby streets.

A short distance away from the mosque, officers later discovered two teenage boys inside a parked vehicle. Investigators identified them as the suspected attackers. Police believe both died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds shortly after carrying out the assault.

Authorities have not publicly released the identities of the suspects or victims. However, investigators said preliminary evidence points toward a targeted attack against the Muslim community.

According to law enforcement officials, one suspect allegedly carried a firearm taken from a family residence before the shooting. Investigators also recovered handwritten material and messages containing racist and extremist language. Officials now continue examining online activity, personal communications and digital records linked to the suspects.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation joined the case within hours. Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators continue reconstructing the timeline and possible planning behind the attack. Officers also continue interviewing witnesses who saw the gunmen near the mosque before the shooting began.

Meanwhile, fear and grief spread across San Diego’s Muslim community.

Outside the mosque on Tuesday morning, community members placed flowers and candles near the entrance gates. Religious leaders urged calm while demanding stronger protection for faith institutions. Several families said the attack left children traumatised because many heard gunshots while attending classes inside the building.

Local residents described scenes of chaos during the incident. Nearby shopkeepers said people ran through surrounding streets searching for shelter after hearing multiple rounds of gunfire. Emergency sirens and police helicopters filled the area for several hours.

The shooting also reopened debate around rising hate-related violence across the United States. Civil rights groups noted an increase in threats targeting religious minorities in recent years, especially during periods of political and social tension.

Investigators also examined another shooting reported a few blocks away from the mosque around the same time. According to police, someone fired shots toward a landscaper working nearby. The individual escaped without injury. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the two incidents connect directly.

Political leaders and faith organisations across California condemned the attack soon after news emerged. Several interfaith groups announced vigils and solidarity gatherings for victims and their families.

For many worshippers in San Diego, however, the shock continues to linger. Parents arriving at the mosque on Tuesday said the building once symbolised safety and community life. Now, many struggle to explain the violence to their children after one of the deadliest attacks against a Muslim institution in the region in recent years.