California Mosque Shooting Leaves Five Dead, Including Suspected Attackers

• Five dead in mosque shooting
• Possible hate crime under investigation
• Security increased in California

Gun violence struck the United States once again after an attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in the California county.

At least five people died Monday, including the two suspected attackers, according to local authorities.

Scott Wahl, chief of police in San Diego, said the victims included three adults and two suspects who allegedly died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Initial investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) indicate the suspected shooters were between 17 and 19 years old.

The bodies of both teenagers were found inside a vehicle near the mosque.

One of the victims was a security guard who helped contain the attack.

The shooting took place at the Islamic Center of San Diego, located in the Clairemont neighborhood.

Authorities launched a major operation around noon local time after reports of an “active shooter” in the area.

Authorities investigate possible hate crime

🇺🇸 Two armed teenagers opened fire Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego in California, killing three men outside the mosque, including a security guard, police said.

The suspects were later found dead after the attack… pic.twitter.com/lIqHrj0t1w

— La Jornada (@lajornadaonline) May 18, 2026

According to EFE, Scott Wahl said the investigation could take several days or even weeks because of the complexity of the case.

The police chief stated the attack is being investigated as a hate crime unless evidence proves otherwise.

“I reiterate my condolences to the victims, their families, and the Muslim community,” the official said.

Images broadcast on television and social media showed several people leaving the site escorted by security officers.

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Among those evacuating the mosque were children holding hands while being guided to safety.

The attack comes amid a recent rise in violent incidents targeting the Muslim community and places of worship in the United States.

The Islamic Center of San Diego is considered a key gathering place for the local Muslim community.

The large police deployment kept the area closed while emergency crews and federal agents worked at the scene.

Trump reacts to California attack

Donald Trump described the mosque shooting in San Diego as “a terrible situation.”

Trump said federal authorities would provide a briefing on the case.

The press conference will be led by Kash Patel, director of the FBI.

Political reaction also came from Los Angeles.

Karen Bass announced increased security at Islamic centers across the city following the attack in San Diego.

“I spoke with leaders of the Muslim community in Los Angeles to offer my support,” Bass wrote on X.

The mayor also said she ordered the Los Angeles Police Department to deploy additional resources to protect mosques.

Bass condemned the attack and stated that places of worship must remain safe spaces.

“Places of worship should be true sanctuaries where hatred and violence have no place,” she said.

Security tightened ahead of the World Cup

The new security measures aim to prevent a possible “copycat effect” following the attack in San Diego.

The heightened police presence also comes just weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup.

Los Angeles will serve as one of the tournament’s main host cities.

Among the national teams scheduled to play at SoFi Stadium is Iran.

Local authorities are working to ensure security around religious sites and areas expected to host large crowds in the coming weeks.