An armed attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, California, ended with five dead on the afternoon of this Monday (18). Two suspects – a 17-year-old teenager and a 19-year-old young man – entered the mosque, located in the residential neighborhood of Clairemont, and fired indiscriminately at those present.
SWAT tactical teams were called in and, after a period of tension, officers neutralized the shooters, who died at the scene. In addition to the attackers, three adult civilians lost their lives. The number of injured was not released, but victims were taken to hospitals in the region.
The mayor of San Diego, Todd Gloria, confirmed the rapid emergency evacuation and asked the public to avoid the area. Nearby schools and businesses were evacuated as a precaution. The governor of California, Gavin Newsom, issued a statement thanking security forces for their immediate response.
The motivations for the attack are still unknown, and the formal identities of the shooters have not been revealed. Federal and local investigations are underway. As a preventive measure, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced increased patrols at mosques in the city, while investigating whether there are connections or accomplices in the attack.