Horror in US: Three killed in suspected hate crime at San Diego mosque

The incident took place on Monday morning after police initially responded to a call about a reportedly suicidal teenager who had run away from home.

Authorities later received reports of gunfire near the Islamic Center of San Diego. Responding officers found three victims with gunshot wounds outside the front of the building, according to reports by BBC.

Investigators also reported that shots were fired from a vehicle at a landscaper in a nearby area.

Police later located the suspected shooters—aged 17 and 18—dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside a vehicle a few blocks away from the mosque.

Among the victims was a security guard employed at the centre, who officials said played a crucial role in preventing the situation from becoming more severe.

The identities of the three victims have not yet been released.

In a statement, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences and said multiple law enforcement agencies are working together on the investigation.

Officials have not confirmed a motive, but investigators are considering the possibility of a hate crime due to the location of the attack at a mosque, the largest in San Diego County.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria condemned the violence, saying, “Hate has no home in San Diego. We stand united with our Muslim neighbors against Islamophobia and this senseless act of violence.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom also reacted, stating that hate has no place in the state and expressing solidarity with the Muslim community.

The incident occurred just days ahead of Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.