SAN DIEGO: Authorities in California are investigating the deadly shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego as a possible hate crime after two teenage suspects, identified in media reports as Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, were found dead following the attack that killed three people.
Police have not officially released the names of the suspects, but multiple US media outlets identified the pair after Monday’s shooting at the mosque complex in San Diego.
According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, the suspects, aged 17 and 18, died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds after fleeing the scene. Police later located them inside a vehicle a few blocks away from the Islamic centre.
Authorities said investigators recovered evidence of “hate rhetoric” and anti-Muslim writings, strengthening suspicions that the mosque was deliberately targeted.
The attack left three people dead, including a mosque security guard praised by police for confronting the attackers and preventing what officials described as a potentially far deadlier massacre.
One of the suspects, Cain Clark, was reportedly linked to Madison High School near the mosque. NBC News reported that Clark attended classes virtually and was expected to graduate later this month.
Extremist influences
“We’re very sorry for what happened. We know as much as you do. It’s a shock,” Clark’s grandfather David Clark told US media outlets.
Limited information has emerged about Caleb Vazquez, while investigators continue examining the suspects’ backgrounds, online activities and possible extremist influences.
US media reports also said police found possible Islamophobic notes inside the suspects’ vehicle. A gas can carrying stylised “SS” markings — reportedly associated with Nazi Germany’s Schutzstaffel paramilitary organisation — was also recovered near the car.
The shooting has intensified fears of rising Islamophobia and extremist violence in the United States, particularly against Muslim communities and places of worship.
Police said the attackers also opened fire at a landscaper near the mosque before they were found dead.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators are treating the case as a hate crime “until it’s not,” while the FBI has joined the investigation.
California Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the attack, saying worshippers “should not have to fear for their lives.”
Imam Taha Hassane described the attack as “extremely outrageous” and said the tragedy had deeply shaken the local Muslim community ahead of Eid al-Adha celebrations.
