Three dead in San Diego mosque shooting as hate crime probe opens

Three people, including two suspects, were killed following an armed intrusion into a mosque in San Diego, California, police said.

“At this stage, it appears that the suspects died from gunshot wounds,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told a press conference, adding that the third victim was a security guard at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where the incident took place.

The two suspects, found dead not far from the mosque, were aged 17 and 19, the police chief said, adding that an investigation has been launched to determine the exact circumstances of the attack.

He said the incident is currently being investigated as a hate crime, given the nature of the place of worship targeted, adding that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) would also assist in the investigation.

Dozens of police vehicles and heavily armed officers surrounded the scene, according to footage broadcast by local media.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said on social media that he had been briefed on the situation.

For his part, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria confirmed that shots had been fired inside the mosque and urged the public to avoid the area.