San Diego mosque shooting investigators said three men died at the Islamic Centre of San Diego after police began searching for two teenagers on Monday.
The search started when one suspect’s mother told police her son had run away and might harm himself. She also said weapons and her vehicle were missing.
About two hours later, police received reports of gunfire at the mosque in San Diego’s Clairemont area. Officers arrived within four minutes and found three men dead.
Soon after, authorities found the two suspects, ages 17 and 18, dead in a vehicle near the mosque. Police said both had taken their own lives.
Meanwhile, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators found evidence of “generalised hate rhetoric.” Police are investigating the attack as a hate crime.
However, Wahl said authorities had found no specific threat against the Islamic Centre before the shooting. The mosque is the largest in San Diego.
The mosque identified one victim as security guard Amin Abdullah. Wahl said Abdullah helped stop the attack from becoming worse.
The Islamic Centre of San Diego praised Abdullah and the other victims for their courage and faith. It also said the centre would stay closed until further notice.
Read: San Diego Mosque Shooting Kills 3; Suspects Dead
CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam condemned the attack. She said no one should fear for safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school.
