Two teen suspects on Monday killed three people at the Islamic Center of San Diego before they took their own lives, according to police.
San Diego police received a warning call about a potentially armed and dangerous juvenile more than an hour before the shooting began.
The department's threat management unit used license plate readers to track the vehicle. Hits were noted in the Fashion Valley area, leading officers to respond to the mall as a possible threat location. Police also learned one of the individuals had an association with Madison High School and alerted school police, sending officers to that area as well.
At 11:43 a.m., while officers were still speaking with the mother trying to determine the suspects' location, an active shooter call came in from the Islamic Center, just a few blocks from where officers were stationed, Wahl said.
Officers arrived within four minutes. They found three apparent victims outside the building, one of whom was identified as a security guard at the center. The officers immediately launched an active shooter response into the mosque and a nearby school.
A landscaper working a few blocks from the mosque was shot at during the incident. Wahl said it appeared the landscaper may have been shot in the helmet, which deflected the bullet and saved his life, though he said that had not been totally confirmed. The landscaper was not killed.
"This is every community's worst nightmare," Wahl said. "Both suspects in this case are deceased. All of the kids are safe. Our hearts go out to the families that are in this moment being notified of what has happened to their loved ones."
Police are serving search warrants that will continue into the days ahead.
Shooting Being Investigated as a Hate Crime
Because of the location, authorities said the shooting is being investigated as a hate crime. "We are considering this a hate crime until it's not," Wahl said, adding the department would work closely with the FBI to ensure all necessary resources are brought to the investigation.FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily confirmed the bureau's involvement and urged the public to submit tips at fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. "No community should have to go through such a tragic incident, but we will work tirelessly until we learn the truth," he said.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said the shooting comes as the Muslim community begins Dhul Hijja, one of Islam's holiest periods leading up to Hajj and Eid al-Adha. "This tragedy is particularly hurtful to our Muslim community as it comes together to start Dhul Hijja—a time of deep faith, reflection, and unity," Gloria said during the news conference.
Gloria praised the security officer on scene, saying his "actions and heroism undoubtedly saved lives." He also announced that the San Diego Police Department would be placing additional officers at all local houses of worship. "Hate has no home in San Diego. Islamophobia has no home in San Diego," he said. "An attack on any San Diegan is an attack on all San Diegans."
Imam Taha Hassane, director of the mosque, said it is “extremely outrageous to target a place of worship,” adding that “all the places of worship in our beautiful city should always be protected.”
The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in San Diego County, according to its website. The campus includes the Al Rashid School, which offers courses in Arabic language, Islamic studies, and the Quran. The center holds five daily prayers and describes its mission as serving not only the Muslim community but also working "with the larger community to serve the less fortunate, to educate, and to better our nation."