SAN DIEGO — Two gunmen attacked a mosque and Islamic school complex in San Diego on Monday, killing three people before turning their weapons on themselves, local authorities said. Police are investigating the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego as a suspected hate crime.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the attack took place at the Islamic Center of San Diego, known locally as ICSD, in Southern California. The two attackers are believed to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
“It will continue to be considered a racially motivated crime until other evidence emerges,” Wahl told reporters, saying the location of the attack at an Islamic center meant the case would not be treated lightly.
The suspects were approximately 17 and 19 years old, authorities said. One of the three victims was a security guard at the Islamic center, who Wahl said had played a critical and courageous role in preventing the attack from escalating into a larger massacre.
All three victims were adults. San Diego police initially issued an active-shooter warning before declaring the threat “neutralized.”
Imam Taha Hassan expressed grief and anger over the attack, describing ICSD as a gathering place where Muslims and non-Muslims come together to pray, learn and share celebrations. “Targeting a place of worship in this way is utterly heinous and gravely offensive,” he said. “Our Islamic center is simply a sacred place of worship.”
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said the city had “no place for hate.” Addressing local Muslims, he said: “Our prayers are with you. I want to assure you that we will do everything necessary to ensure you feel safe in this city. No resource will be spared in protecting our religious institutions and spaces during this sensitive time.”
The Islamic Center is in the Clairemont residential area north of downtown San Diego.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report