Three men were killed during a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed the attack is being investigated as a hate crime. Authorities have identified two teenagers as suspects in the deadly assault.
Fatal Shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego, resulting in the deaths of three men. The attack occurred during the day, prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement to secure the site and manage the scene of the active shooter incident.
While some initial reporting suggested a higher casualty count, official summaries and police reports indicate that three victims were killed in the attack. The violence took place at a local mosque, targeting individuals within the religious community.
Suspect Identification and Police Response
The San Diego Police Department has identified two teenagers as suspects in the shooting. Law enforcement officials moved quickly to respond to the active shooter call, and the investigation is now focused on the actions and motivations of these two individuals.
The speed of the police response and the subsequent identification of the suspects suggest a focused tactical operation following the initial reports of gunfire at the center. Authorities have not yet released the names or specific ages of the teenagers involved, but they remain the primary subjects of the criminal investigation.
Hate Crime Investigation
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl has explicitly stated that the attack is being investigated as a hate crime. This classification indicates that investigators have found preliminary evidence suggesting the victims were targeted specifically because of their religion or affiliation with the Islamic Center of San Diego.
The designation of the event as a hate crime shifts the investigative focus toward the suspects’ ideologies and potential ties to extremist groups. By labeling the incident as such during the early stages of the probe, the police department has signaled that the motive is a central component of the legal proceedings and the pursuit of justice for the three men killed.
