SAN DIEGO — Three adult men, including a security guard, were fatally shot outside the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, May 19, in what local authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime. Two teenage suspects were found dead nearby from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
“Hate has no home in San Diego,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said. “Islamophobia has no home in San Diego. We will not stand for it.”
The shooting occurred around 11:43 a.m. at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County, in the Clairemont neighborhood about 9 miles north of downtown. The center also houses the Al Rashid School, which offers Arabic language, Islamic studies and Quran classes for children ages 5 and up. No students or other staff were injured, and children were safely evacuated, according to law enforcement.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the security guard who was killed by the suspects played a “pivotal role” in preventing the attack from becoming deadlier.
The two suspects, Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, fled a short distance and were found dead in a vehicle a few blocks away on Hatton Street from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, Wahl said. Their identities have not been publicly released. Police have recovered weapons and are examining evidence, including a note with “hate speech” reportedly left by one suspect.
Chief Wahl revealed that earlier Monday morning, before the Islamic Center shooting, a mother reported her weapons stolen and her suicidal teen son missing along with her vehicle. It turned out that her son is one of the alleged shooters.
“She said her son was with a companion. And that they were dressed in camo. That is not consistent with what we’d see from somebody suicidal,” Chief Wahl said to Monday’s presser. “That triggered a larger threat assessment picture. We dispatched officers into the area of the mall as a possible location that was a threat…we alerted school PD, and sent officers into the area of Madison HS. While gathering this info…we received the call at 11:43 a.m. there was an active shooter at the Islamic Center.”
He added that the two teenage suspects were found in a vehicle with apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead.
The FBI’s San Diego field office is assisting local police, with agents processing evidence and seeking photos, videos or other information from the public. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily urged anyone with tips to contact the bureau at 1-800-CALL-FBI or https://tips.fbi.gov/digitalmedia/590984776650f91.
In a statement, California Governor Newsom wrote: “California stands with you. Worshippers anywhere should not have to fear for their lives. Hate has no place in California, and we will not tolerate acts of terror or intimidation against communities of faith.”
CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam in a statement to the Lynnwood Times wrote: “We strongly condemn this horrifying act of violence at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this attack. No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school.”
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-WA, called the attack “heartbreaking and unacceptable.”
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-WA07, wrote in a statement to X that she was “devastated” by the news.
“Our places of worship should be safe spaces for all people,” Jayapal wrote. “We must all stand up and condemn this attack and all forms of Islamophobia, racism, and hatred that are on the rise in our communities.”
A reunification center for children and families was established at the San Diego Clairemont Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In a press release, the Islamic Center of San Diego thanked law enforcement for the swift action, courage and professionalism: “We are deeply grateful to the first responders, emergency personnel, security team members, and community leaders who acted swiftly during this crisis. Their courage and professionalism helped protect lives during an unimaginable situation.”
Author: Mario Lotmore
