FBI investigating deadly San Diego mosque attack as hate crime
In the aftermath of the tragic San Diego mosque shooting, former Assistant FBI Director Chris Swecker has shed light on some critical details. He revealed that the suspect’s mother had reported missing firearms before the attack occurred. Swecker also pointed out a concerning trend, noting a staggering 533% increase in attacks on places of worship since the year 2000. He commended the security guard whose brave actions likely averted further casualties during this hate crime.
The alleged perpetrators behind the attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego have been named as Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Velasquez, 18. This information comes from a law enforcement source cited by the New York Post.
The two suspects were discovered lifeless inside a vehicle located a few blocks away from the mosque. Authorities determined that they had died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds following the incident.
David Clark, the grandfather of Cain Clark, expressed his sorrow, telling the Post, “We’re very sorry for what happened. We know as much as you do. It’s a shock.”
Cain Clark was an active member of the wrestling team at Madison High School, as noted on the school’s social media platform. A representative from the San Diego Unified School District informed Fox News Digital that Clark had been enrolled in virtual education through iHigh Virtual Academy since 2021.
Cain Clark, 17, is pictured during a school wrestling event. (Facebook / madison.warhawk.wrestling)
While a motive remains unclear, authorities said that the deadly shooting is being investigated as a hate crime after police say authorities uncovered evidence the suspects engaged in “hate rhetoric.”
One suspect’s mother had contacted authorities and reported her son missing roughly two hours before the deadly attack, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said Monday.
Authorities searched the home of a suspect in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, May 18, 2026, in San Diego. (Gregory Bull/AP)
The situation escalated as the mother “began to piece together bits and pieces of information” and relayed them to investigators throughout the morning, according to Wahl, including that some of her firearms and her vehicle were missing.
“With this information, she believed her son was suicidal,” Wahl said during an evening news conference.
A body covered with a tarp lies at the scene of a shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, May 18, 2026. (Gregory Bull/AP)
The search for the teen took on more urgency as police learned that he was dressed in camouflage and was with an acquaintance — facts that were not consistent with someone about to die by suicide, the chief said.
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