San Diego Mosque Shooting Under Hate Crime Review

Authorities investigating the San Diego mosque shooting said two suspected gunmen found dead on May 18,2026 in a nearby vehicle were teenagers, as police and federal investigators continue working to determine what led to the attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Mark Remily, the FBI special agent in charge in San Diego, confirmed Monday that the suspects were juveniles, but their identities were not released. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl later said the suspects were 17 and 19 years old.

Teen Suspects Found Dead Near Islamic Center

Police are treating the Islamic Center shooting as a possible hate crime because the attack targeted a mosque. Wahl said investigators are considering bias as a possible motive unless evidence shows otherwise. He added that the San Diego Police Department is working closely with the FBI probe to ensure local and federal resources are fully aligned during the investigation. Officials have not yet confirmed a motive.

Security Guard Praised For Preventing More Harm

Three adult men were killed in the shooting, including a security guard who worked at the mosque. Wahl said the security guard appeared to have played a pivotal role in preventing the attack from becoming even worse. Emergency responders found the victims outside the mosque complex before officers later located the two suspected gunmen dead inside a nearby vehicle.

Police Review Evidence In Ongoing Investigation

According to police, the teen suspects appeared to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Wahl said no officers fired their weapons, while cautioning that the information remains preliminary. Investigators are expected to review security camera footage from the Islamic Center of San Diego and other evidence as they reconstruct the timeline of the attack. The FBI has arrived at the scene and pledged full support to local authorities.

Anti-Muslim Bias Concerns Add Wider Context

The San Diego hate crime investigation comes amid broader concern over anti-Muslim bias in the United States. Officials have not said whether bias directly motivated the shooting, but the mosque location remains central to the inquiry. Police said the investigation is ongoing and that further details will depend on evidence gathered from the scene, video footage, witness accounts, and federal support.