People walk under police tape at the scene of a shooting outside the Islamic Centre of San Diego on May 18, 2026.
| Photo Credit: AP
Two teenage suspects opened fire at an Islamic centre in San Diego on Monday (May 18, 2026), killing three men before killing themselves, authorities said. The case is being investigated as a hate crime, police said.
That’s according to a police source who spoke on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorised to discuss further details.
Authorities earlier said they believe multiple people have been shot at the Islamic Centre about 9 miles (14 km) north of downtown San Diego. They have not released more details.
The Islamic Centre is the largest mosque in San Diego County, according to its website. The campus includes the Al Rashid School, which the website says offers courses in Arabic language, Islamic studies and the Quran.
Aerial TV footage showed more than a dozen children holding hands and being walked out of the parking lot of the centre that is surrounded by scores of police vehicles. The white mosque is in a neighbourhood of homes, apartments and strip malls with Middle Eastern restaurants and markets.
Gov Gavin Newsom’s office said he was being briefed.
“We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities,” his office posted on the social platform X.
The Islamic Centre’s website says its mission is to not only serve the Muslim population but also “work with the larger community to serve the less fortunate, to educate, and to better our nation.” Five daily prayers are held there, and the mosque works with other organisations and people of all faiths on social causes.
Published – May 19, 2026 02:50 am IST
