San Diego, California – May 19, 2026
A deadly shooting at a mosque in San Diego, California, left five people dead, including two suspected gunmen, according to local police officials. The incident triggered a major law enforcement response and prompted federal authorities to launch an investigation into a possible hate crime.
Police said the shooting took place at the Islamic Center in San Diego County, one of the largest mosques in the region. Authorities temporarily evacuated a school located within the mosque complex after reports of an active shooter. Officials confirmed that no students were injured during the incident.
Three Victims Found Dead Outside Mosque
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said officers received the first report of an active shooter at approximately 11:43 a.m. local time. Police units arrived at the scene within four minutes.
According to officials, officers discovered three deceased adult men outside the Islamic Center building. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed that all three victims were adult males.
Police said one of the victims was working as a security guard at the mosque complex at the time of the shooting.
The Islamic Center complex also houses Al-Rashid School, which offers Arabic language classes, Islamic studies, and Quran education, according to information available on the organization’s website.
Nearby Shooting Reported During Response
While responding to the mosque shooting, police also received reports of gunfire several blocks away from the original scene.
Chief Wahl said officers found a gardener who had reportedly been shot at, although the individual was not injured.
Authorities later located two suspects inside a nearby vehicle. Both suspects were found dead at the scene. According to the FBI, the suspects were teenagers.
Investigators believe the two suspects may have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, though officials said the exact circumstances remain under investigation.
FBI Investigating Possible Hate Crime
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack.
Chief Wahl stated that because the victims were targeted at a local mosque, investigators are initially treating the case as a potential hate crime unless evidence proves otherwise.
“The circumstances surrounding the shooting and the motive remain under active investigation,” officials said.
Federal authorities are assisting local law enforcement agencies with forensic analysis and evidence collection as investigators work to determine whether the attack was religiously motivated.
School Evacuated Safely
Following the shooting, authorities evacuated Al-Rashid School as a precautionary measure. Officials confirmed that all students and staff members were safely removed from the premises without injury.
Police maintained a heavy presence around the mosque and surrounding neighborhoods for several hours as the investigation continued.
Community leaders and local officials have urged residents to remain calm while authorities gather more information about the incident.
The deadly shooting has renewed concerns over violence targeting religious institutions in the United States, as investigators continue to examine whether bias or extremist motives played a role in the attack.
