Liputan6.com, Jakarta - On May 18, 2026, a tragic shooting happened at the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD), the largest mosque in San Diego, California, United States.
This heartbreaking incident resulted in the deaths of three men, including a security guard and two mosque staff members.
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The two shooters were also found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, adding to the list of victims in this incident.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stated that "hateful rhetoric was involved" in the case, although there was no known specific threat to the ICSD.
A thorough investigation is underway to uncover the true motive behind this deadly attack.
This incident not only claimed lives but also left a deep sorrow for the congregation, students, staff, and the broader San Diego community.
Tragic Shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego
This incident took place on Monday, May 18, 2026, with initial reports received by police at approximately 11:43 a.m. local time.
The location of the shooting was the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD), located in the Clairemont neighborhood, approximately eight miles north of downtown San Diego.
ICSD not only serves as the largest mosque in San Diego County, but also houses an active Islamic school.
Three men were confirmed killed in the shooting, one of whom was a heroic mosque security guard.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl commended the security guard's actions, stating that his bravery likely prevented a greater tragedy and saved many lives.
The other two victims were staff members of the Islamic school who were on the complex at the time of the incident.
No children were injured in this incident, and all were safely evacuated from the area, as reported by The New York Times.
A gardener working a few blocks from the mosque was also reportedly shot, but sustained no serious injuries, as the bullet likely struck his helmet.
To date, the names of the victims have not been officially released by San Diego authorities.
Identification of the Perpetrators and Motive
The two perpetrators of the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego have been identified as teenage boys, Cain Clark (17) and Caleb Vazquez (18), both from San Diego.
Clark was a student at James Madison High School and was attending classes virtually.
The two teenagers were found dead in a car a few blocks from the mosque, apparently from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, with no officers involved in the shooting.
The initial investigation indicates that the incident is being investigated as a hate crime, a serious suspicion indicating a hate motive.
Police Chief Scott Wahl explicitly stated that “hateful rhetoric was involved” in the case, although there was no previously known specific threat to the Islamic Center of San Diego.
Law enforcement officials also reported that one of the suspects took a firearm from his parents' home and left a suicide note.
The note contained references to racial pride, further bolstering the suspicion of a hate crime motive.
In addition, hate messages were also found written on one of the weapons used in the attack in San Diego.
Community Impact and Reaction in San Diego
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria immediately responded by stating that the police department would increase security at houses of worship across the city as a precautionary measure.
The Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD) issued an official statement announcing the closure of its mosque until further notice.
They described the shooting as “an incredibly painful and traumatic day” for its congregation, students, staff, and the broader San Diego community.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), one of the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy groups in the US, strongly condemned the shooting.
CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam emphasized that no one should have to fear for their safety while praying or studying.