Teen Suspects Dead After San Diego Mosque Attack Kills Three [WATCH]

A shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday left five people dead, including three adult victims and two teenage suspects who later died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, according to police and law enforcement sources, as reported by the New York Post.

San Diego police officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego, located on the 7000 block of Eckstrom Avenue in Clairemont, at about 11:43 a.m. Monday.

Officers arrived four minutes later and found three adult men dead outside the center, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said during a press conference.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria issued a sharp condemnation on Twitter/X of the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, saying that anyone who incites such violence “will be met with the full force of the law.”https://t.co/6Uz1ag9YnP

— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) May 19, 2026

“All of our kids are safe. Our hearts go out to the families who, in this moment, are being notified of what has happened to their loved ones,” Wahl said.

Here’s What They’re Not Telling You About Your Retirement

Police immediately began clearing the mosque and an adjacent school as the investigation unfolded. While officers were still working at the Islamic Center, another 911 call came in from a few blocks away.

A man doing landscaping work reported that he had been shot at by someone in a passing vehicle, though he was not struck, according to Wahl.

A short distance from that scene, officers found a white BMW stopped in the middle of the roadway. Inside or near the vehicle, police located two suspects who were dead from what appeared to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds, Wahl said.

A law enforcement source identified the suspects to The Post as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Velasquez. Clark was described as a wrestler at Madison High School.

The Islamic Center Shooters in San Diego have been identified as Cain Clark 17, and Caleb Vasquez, 18. Both died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.🤷 https://t.co/8F4z1hNGmA pic.twitter.com/mDcrSuBsCD

— Irfan Ahmad (@Irfuu_) May 19, 2026

This Could Be the Most Important Video Gun Owners Watch All Year

Investigators found anti-Islamic writings inside the BMW, according to a law enforcement source. The source also said at least one suspect had taken a firearm from a parent’s home and left behind a suicide note that included writing about racial pride.

Hate speech was also written on one of the firearms used in the attack, the source said. A photograph from the area where the suspects were found showed a shotgun near the vehicle.

A gas can with an “SS” sticker was also seen near the car. The letters appeared to possibly refer to the Schutzstaffel, the paramilitary organization under Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime.

Police said they had received a call at about 9:42 a.m. from a concerned mother reporting a runaway juvenile. After speaking with the mother, police said they began raising the threat level connected to the individual.

According to police, the mother allegedly believed her son was suicidal and told authorities that several of her weapons were missing, along with her vehicle. She also said her son was with a companion and that the two were dressed in camouflage.

Police did not clarify whether the missing juvenile report was directly connected to the mosque shooting.

One of the victims was a security guard at the mosque. Wahl said the guard “played a pivotal role in assisting, this could have been worse.”

No children were physically injured, and the FBI is assisting with the investigation.

San Diego police said the threat had been neutralized shortly after 1 p.m. Monday.

The threat at the Islamic center has been neutralized.Media staging has been established as the Northwest Corner of Lindbergh Park.(4141 Ashford Street, SD, Ca, 92111)#SDPDPIO

— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) May 18, 2026

“Today, our city was shaken by a violent act at the Islamic Center of San Diego, and my heart is with every person touched by this tragedy. No one in our city should ever have to fear for their safety in a house of faith and a place of learning,” San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said Monday night.

“I am grateful to the San Diego Police Department, our Fire-rescue personnel, and every first responder who moved toward danger to bring this threat to an end,” he added.

🚨 BREAKING: The Islamic Center of San Diego have been identified as Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vasquez, 18, per NBC

Prior to the shooting, one of the mothers alerted police her son was sulcldaI, and said he stole her guns and vehicle.Law enforcement did not get there in time,… pic.twitter.com/yL62rZfVPw— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 18, 2026

Wahl praised the response from law enforcement, calling it “the most dynamic and impressive response I have ever seen in policing” in his 28 years in law enforcement.

Warning: Account balances and purchasing power no longer tell the same story. Know in 2 minutes if your retirement is working for you.