San Diego, May 18, 2026 — A deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego has left three worshippers dead and two suspected gunmen also deceased, according to law enforcement officials.
Authorities said the attack began around 11:40 a.m. local time (Pacific Time), when emergency calls reported an active shooter situation at the mosque during a gathering. Police responded within minutes and secured the scene shortly after noon.
Officials confirmed that all three victims were adult men, including a mosque security guard who attempted to intervene during the attack.
Weapons taken from home and threat assessment
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said one of the teenage suspects took three firearms from his mother’s home before carrying out the attack.
The suspect’s mother reported that her son and vehicle were missing along with “several of her weapons,” Wahl told reporters.
“The number of weapons he took from the home led investigators to believe the teen may be a threat to others as well,” the chief said.
“One person that’s suicidal is not going to take three weapons from a location,” Wahl added, noting that the discovery triggered “a much bigger threat assessment” as authorities searched for the suspect.
Officials condemn attack
Public officials across the United States condemned the shooting.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he and his wife were “horrified” by the attack and stressed that “worshippers anywhere should not have to fear for their lives.”
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani also condemned the violence, warning that “Islamophobia endangers Muslim communities across this country.”
US Senator Lindsey Graham and US Representative Zoe Lofgren also issued statements condemning the shooting.
Officials said there was no specific prior threat to the Islamic Center, though investigators noted that one suspect had expressed generalized hate-related rhetoric.
“There was no specific threat, especially no specific threat to the Islamic Center,” Chief Wahl said, adding that the case remains under active investigation.
FBI joins investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is now working alongside local authorities.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily said investigators are interviewing family members and processing evidence from the scene.
He confirmed that bomb technicians cleared the vehicle where the two suspects were found dead.
“We will leave no stone unturned,” Remily said, adding that authorities will continue working “as long as it takes until we understand what happened.”
Ongoing investigation
Authorities continue to examine motive, online activity, and background details of the suspects. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation remains active.
