News Screen – An atmosphere of sorrow and confusion enveloped the Muslim community in San Diego after a shooting incident at a mosque killed three people on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Police officials suspect the attack was motivated by Islamophobia after two armed teenagers stormed the Islamic Center of San Diego complex during religious activities.
One of the victims who died, Nader Awad, was said by residents to be someone who tried to help save the congregation when the shooting occurred. “Everyone is really shocked. It’s hard to believe this is real,” Ramzy, the victim’s son, told AFP.
Also Read: Shooting at San Diego Mosque Kills 3 People, Police Investigate Alleged Hate Crime
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the two perpetrators tried to enter the main area of the mosque which was filled with worshipers, including around 140 children. However, their action was blocked by the mosque security officer, Amin Abdullah, who returned fire while activating the emergency alarm via radio communication.
“His actions were undoubtedly successful in delaying and diverting the perpetrator’s attention, preventing them from accessing a wider area of the mosque,” Scott Wahl said at a press conference.
Apart from Amin Abdullah and Nader Awad, another victim was identified as Mansour Kaziha. The three died at the scene after trying to stop the perpetrator.
Meanwhile, two attack suspects, Cain Clark (17) and Caleb Vazquez (18), were found dead in a vehicle not far from the location. Police suspect that both of them committed suicide after carrying out the attack.
An FBI search of the perpetrators’ homes found dozens of firearms, ammunition, tactical equipment, and documents containing extremist writing with racial and hateful nuances.
The imam of the mosque, Taha Hassane, said that the Muslim community in San Diego had always lived side by side peacefully with the surrounding community. “If the security guard had not done what he did and sacrificed his life, the suspects could have easily entered the classroom,” he said.
He also revealed that the mosque had previously received hateful letters, emails and messages several times, especially since the conflict in Gaza and increasing global tensions regarding the Middle East.
According to Hassane, the tragedy is a serious warning about the rise in extremism and white supremacy in the United States. “When hate speech continues to be spread, there are young people who finally feel they have justification for committing violence,” he said.
The mosque, which is one of the largest Muslim community centers in San Diego, is also known to be active in interfaith and social community activities. This incident is currently still under investigation by federal authorities and local police.***
