U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly condemned the deadly shooting at a San Diego mosque that left three people dead, including a security guard hailed as a hero, in an attack authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime.
WEBDESK – MediaBites News
Three people were killed Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego after two teenage gunmen opened fire outside the mosque before later dying from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, according to police.
The suspects, aged 17 and 18, were found dead inside a vehicle near the mosque shortly after the attack. Investigators said hate-related writings were discovered on one of the weapons, while a suicide note referencing racial pride was also recovered from the suspects’ vehicle.
U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the attack, describing it as a “horrific act of hatred and violence” and extending condolences to the victims’ families and the Muslim community.
“Places of worship must remain safe and protected for all Americans,” Trump reportedly said while urging federal authorities to fully investigate the motive behind the attack.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl called the shooting “a community’s absolute worst nightmare” during a press briefing.
Authorities said the attack occurred late Monday morning in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood. Police were initially alerted after the mother of one of the suspects reported her teenage son missing, suicidal, armed, and dressed in camouflage clothing along with another suspect.
Officers immediately launched a search operation and warned nearby schools before receiving reports of an active shooter at the mosque around 11:43 a.m.
Police arrived within minutes and discovered three adult male victims dead outside the Islamic center. Officers then cleared the mosque and adjacent school facilities room by room to ensure no additional threats remained.
Community members identified one of the victims as a mosque security guard who reportedly sacrificed his life while attempting to protect worshippers and children inside the building during the attack.
Investigators also linked the suspects to another nearby shooting incident in which a landscaper was allegedly targeted from a passing vehicle. Authorities said the bullet struck the worker’s helmet and ricocheted away, preventing serious injury.
One suspect was identified as Cain Clark, a homeschooled teenager reportedly associated with wrestling activities linked to Madison High School. School officials stated he had no significant disciplinary history.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has joined local law enforcement agencies in the investigation. Federal officials said bomb technicians, victim specialists and evidence response teams are assisting authorities.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the violence and stressed that houses of worship should never become targets of hatred or extremism.
The shooting has reignited concerns over rising Islamophobia and extremist violence in the United States, with grieving residents gathering outside the mosque throughout the day to mourn the victims and show solidarity with the Muslim community.
