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The names of the five individuals who lost their lives have not yet been disclosed. However, it is known that one of the victims was a security guard, and the suspected gunmen ultimately turned their weapons on one another.
The incident prompted an immediate and robust response from law enforcement, with heavily armed officers quickly arriving at the scene. They efficiently evacuated children and adults from a school located within the complex, ensuring their safety.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl has indicated that the authorities are treating the shooting as a hate crime. “Given the location at the Islamic center, we are considering this a hate crime until proven otherwise,” he remarked to reporters.
Chief Wahl also revealed that the suspects are 17 and 19 years old. He highlighted the crucial role played by the security guard who tragically lost his life, noting that his actions were instrumental in preventing further casualties.
He said the suspects are aged 17 and 19, and the security guard who was killed played a “pivotal” role in preventing any further deaths.
Imam Taha Hassane issued a video statement shortly after the shooting.
“We are safe, the entire school is safe,” he said. “All the kids, all the staff, and the teachers are safe and out of the Islamic Centre.”
“There is no threat at this moment, but we want everyone to stay away from the Islamic Centre of San Diego.
“We are closed for the rest of the day. Stay safe, stay at home, and make a lot of prayers.”
A White House official said President Donald Trump had been briefed on the shooting. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office earlier 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.
Sharp Memorial Hospital confirmed it was receiving patients related to the shooting.
“Our disaster procedures have been activated and we are coordinating with the County of San Diego and other resources to respond to the incident,” Sharp spokeswoman Alicia Cook said.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the shooting as a “horrifying act of violence”.
“Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this attack,” the group said in a statement.
“No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school.”
Authorities on the other side of the country have been swift in their response to the San Diego shooting.
New York police said more officers had been dispatched to mosques around the city.
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