Two teenagers opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on the morning of May 18, killing three people before turning their weapons on themselves in an incident police are investigating as a suspected hate crime. Authorities identified the assailants as Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18.

The attack began when the two youths, armed with rifles and handguns, bypassed security at the mosque’s entrance. Amin Abdullah, a security guard and father of eight, confronted the attackers and initiated a lockdown while exchanging gunfire. Abdullah was fatally shot during the confrontation, but his quick response is credited with preventing the assailants from reaching a school housed within the mosque, where approximately 140 children were present.

Following the initial exchange, two additional community members were killed in the mosque parking lot after attempting to intervene and protect others from harm.

Police recovered an array of weapons, including 30 firearms and a crossbow, as well as tactical equipment from the homes of the suspects. Investigators also found a manifesto containing Nazi and white supremacist imagery, expressing animosity toward various races and religious groups. Early findings suggest the teenagers met and became radicalized through online platforms before carrying out the attack.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, focusing on the motivations behind the violence and measures that could prevent similar attacks in the future. Community leaders have condemned the killings and emphasized the importance of solidarity in the wake of the tragedy.