SAN DIEGO, May19, 2026 — New details have emerged in the deadly shooting attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego that left three worshippers dead and shocked communities across the United States.
Authorities say the mother of one of the suspected attackers contacted police nearly two hours before the violence began, warning that her teenage son had disappeared with another young man, her vehicle, and several firearms from her home.
According to Scott Wahl, the woman told officers she feared her son might be suicidal. Police immediately launched a search effort using license plate readers and other tracking technology while officers remained at the mother’s residence.
Despite the warning, the suspects allegedly carried out a shooting attack Monday afternoon at the Islamic Center in San Diego. Three men were killed, including a security guard whom investigators say likely prevented an even larger massacre by confronting the attackers during the assault.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as gunfire erupted outside the mosque. Vanessa Chavez, a resident living across the street, said she saw the security guard wearing a tactical vest get struck by gunfire before managing to move inside the building.
“Now seeing that he lost his life, it was very brave of him,” she told reporters.
Police later discovered the two suspected shooters dead inside a nearby vehicle from what authorities believe were self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Chief Wahl identified the suspects as 17 and 18 years old.
Investigators also recovered anti-Islamic writings inside the vehicle, according to law enforcement officials familiar with the investigation. Authorities said one firearm reportedly contained the words “hate speech,” while one suspect allegedly left behind a suicide note.
In a separate incident shortly after the mosque attack, a landscaper working several blocks away was reportedly shot at from a passing vehicle believed connected to the suspects. Officials said the bullet may have ricocheted off the worker’s helmet, likely saving his life.
The attack has intensified concerns over rising violence targeting religious institutions across the United States. In response, police departments in California and several other states announced increased patrols around mosques, Islamic centers, synagogues, churches, and other houses of worship.
Federal and local investigators continue to examine the suspects’ motives and online activity as the investigation remains ongoing.
