Nicolai Haugsted
The President addresses the murder of five in California.
Police cars, ambulances and heavily armed officers flooded the area around the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday after gunfire shattered the middle of the day in one of the city’s busiest neighborhoods.
By the time officers secured the scene, five people were dead — including two teenage suspects.
Multiple victims discovered outside mosque
San Diego police responded shortly before noon after reports of shots being fired near the Islamic Center in Clairemont.
Authorities arriving at the scene reportedly discovered three victims dead outside the building, while two additional individuals believed to be connected to the attack were later found with fatal gunshot wounds.
According to investigators, the suspects — reported to be aged 17 and 19 — appear to have died from self-inflicted injuries after the shooting.
Police later confirmed no ongoing threat remained in the area.
Hate crime investigation underway
Investigators now believe anti-Muslim rhetoric played a central role in the attack.
“But yes, it’s being investigated as a hate crime. At this point, there was definitely hate rhetoric that was involved,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said during a press briefing.
Authorities have not yet publicly detailed the specific language or online activity being examined as part of the investigation.
Federal agencies are also expected to assist as detectives continue reviewing evidence surrounding the attack and possible motives.
Officials condemn violence
City leaders responded quickly following the shooting, with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria condemning the attack and emphasizing that residents should not fear practicing their faith.
California Governor Gavin Newsom later described himself as horrified by the incident and stated that violence targeting religious communities would not be tolerated.
President Donald Trump also addressed the attack while speaking to reporters.
“They’re giving a briefing on it. It’s a terrible situation. I’ve been given some early updates, but we’re going to be going back and looking at it very strongly,” Donald Trump said after the shooting.
Community left shaken
Monday’s violence has once again intensified fears surrounding religiously motivated attacks in the United States.
Local residents gathered near the scene throughout the afternoon as investigators sealed off surrounding streets and officers searched for additional evidence.
Islamic organizations across California have since called for increased security around mosques and community centers following the attack.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims as families continue being notified.
