Tragic Attack at San Diego Mosque: Understanding the Suspects and Victims
The two teenage suspects in the gun attack on a San Diego mosque shared a broad hatred of multiple religions and racial groups, authorities have said. Five people, including the two attackers, died in the deadly violence on Monday.
While authorities have not disclosed a specific motive, San Diego's police chief stated that the violence is being explored as a possible hate crime. The suspects were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted wounds in a vehicle not far from the mosque.
What was the timeline of the attack?
Authorities responded to an active shooter report at the Islamic Center of San Diego around 11:43 AM local time. Police chief Scott Wahl mentioned that they arrived just four minutes later, discovering three men deceased outside the mosque.
As officers initiated active shooter protocols, they received reports of additional shots fired from a vehicle, targeting a landscaper, who fortunately was not injured. Prior to the shooting, one suspect's mother had notified police that her son had fled with firearms and her car, expressing concern for his mental state.
Eventually, officers located the two suspects, aged 17 and 18, deceased in their vehicle less than a quarter-mile from the attack site.
Who were the victims?
The victims are identified as Amin Abdullah, Nader Awad, and Mansour Kaziha. Abdullah, who worked as a security guard at the mosque and was a father of eight, is honored for his heroic actions during the attack, potentially saving many lives.
A community friend described Abdullah as a well-known and beloved figure at the mosque, highlighting his welcoming nature and long-standing service that spanned over a decade.
What do we know about the attackers?
Though authorities have not officially released the names of the attackers, they are reported to be aged 17 and 18. A search of their residences uncovered over 30 weapons, tactical gear, and anti-religious writings. Investigators mentioned that these young men were radicalized online and had expressed hatred toward numerous races and religions through various documents found during the investigation.
The motives behind the attack, while still unclear, are strongly suspected to align with the broader theme of hate, as authorities are currently piecing together the intended target and any potential threats posed by these individuals.
