By Our Correspondent
National News – Three people were killed after a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego in southern California on Monday, while two teenage suspects were later found dead inside a vehicle from suspected self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Authorities said the attack targeted the mosque complex and is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said officers responded within four minutes after receiving reports of an active shooter at the Islamic centre.
Police discovered three victims outside the mosque before launching a search of the building and nearby school facilities.
Investigators later located the suspected gunmen, aged 18 and 17, dead inside a vehicle several blocks away from the scene.
According to police, the suspects appeared to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, and no officers discharged their weapons during the operation.
Authorities revealed that the mother of one suspect had contacted police about two hours earlier, reporting that her son was suicidal and that several firearms and her vehicle were missing.
Police initially searched near a local high school linked to the suspect before receiving emergency calls from the mosque.
The Islamic Centre of San Diego, regarded as the largest mosque complex in San Diego County, was temporarily placed on lockdown as heavily armed officers secured the area.
Police later confirmed the threat had been neutralised. One of the victims was identified as a security guard at the mosque.
Wahl described his actions during the attack as heroic, saying his intervention likely prevented more deaths and injuries.
Imam Taha Hassane said staff members, worshippers and children attending the mosque school were safe.
He condemned the attack and described it as a tragic assault on a place of worship.
US President Donald Trump called the incident a terrible situation, while New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani described it as apparent anti-Muslim violence.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also condemned the shooting and pledged support for the Muslim community.
