Three adult men, including a security guard, were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, May 18, 2026. Authorities are treating the attack as a potential hate crime.
Security Guard’s Heroic Actions
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the security guard played a “pivotal role” in preventing the attack from being far worse. His actions ensured the safety of children and other worshippers at the mosque.
“Undoubtedly he saved lives today,” Chief Wahl said. All children at the center were safely evacuated, and photos show them being guided away from the area.
Details of the Shooting
The shooting was reported shortly before noon. Officers responding to the mosque also received calls from nearby streets reporting additional gunfire. A landscaper in the area may have been struck by a bullet, possibly hitting his helmet, though authorities have not fully confirmed the injury.
Police later found both suspects dead in a vehicle several blocks away from the mosque. The suspects, aged 17 and 18, appeared to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Anti-Islamic writings were reportedly found inside their car, and investigators are looking into possible motives.
Background of the Suspects
Approximately two hours before the attack, police received a report from one of the suspect’s mothers stating her son and another individual had taken several weapons and a vehicle. She also found a note whose contents were not disclosed. Police traced their movements, attempting to locate the missing vehicle when the mosque shooting occurred.
Community and Official Reactions
Imam Taha Hassan of the Islamic Center called the attack unprecedented and expressed solidarity with the victims’ families and other faith communities.
Tazheen Nizam, executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) San Diego, condemned the violence, saying, “No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at a school.”
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced increased patrols around religious sites and praised the security guard for saving lives, calling him “an absolute hero.”
Officials in other cities, including New York, said there was no specific threat to local mosques but increased patrols were implemented as a precaution. NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the attack “an apparent act of anti-Muslim violence” and urged communities to stand united against Islamophobia.
