Two teenagers aged 17 and 18 opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday at 11:43 a.m. local time, killing three men before committing suicide in a vehicle blocks away from the mosque. Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed the victims were found outside the complex, which houses San Diego County's largest mosque and an Islamic school. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"Police were first called to the mosque at 11:43 local time (18:43 GMT) and "observed what appeared to be three deceased victims out front", Wahl said."
"Officers found the suspects - aged 17 and 18 - dead of self-inflicted wounds in a vehicle blocks away from the mosque."
The mother of one shooter had called police about two hours before the attack to report her son had run away with several guns and her car. According to Wahl, the suspects died from self-inflicted wounds and no officers fired during the incident. During their escape, the shooters also fired at a landscaper nearby, but he was uninjured, according to NBC San Diego. ✓
Press quotes (2)
"About two hours before the attack, the mother of one of the suspects had called police to report that her son had left home with several of her guns and her car."
"As they arrived, gunshots rang out a few blocks away where a landscaper was shot at but uninjured. The shooters were found dead in a vehicle stopped in the middle of a road nearby, he said."
Police found a note left by one suspect containing "generalized hate rhetoric and hate speech," Wahl stated, though the note contained no specific threats to the mosque or any other location. The investigation treats the case as a possible hate crime. Imam Taha Hassane confirmed all children, staff and teachers were safely evacuated from the complex. ✓
Press quotes (1)
"A note the youth left behind also included "generalised hate rhetoric and hate speech", he said. Wahl added that the note contained no specific threat to the mosque, or to any other location or individual."
Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.
Covered by only some sources (1)
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What were the identities of the three fatal victims?
Why it's still unknown: Police have not yet released the names of victims or suspects
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What was the specific content of the hate note left by the suspect?
Why it's still unknown: Police confirmed hate speech in the note but have not disclosed content details
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How exactly did the mosque security guard help prevent more victims?
Why it's still unknown: Sources mention the guard played a key role but don't detail specific actions
Did not cover: Bbc News Nbc San Diego