Authorities have identified the suspected shooters in a tragic incident outside a San Diego mosque where three people lost their lives. The individuals named are Cain Clark, aged 17, and Caleb Velasquez, aged 18, as reported by a law enforcement source.
According to information from The Post, one of the suspects reportedly took a firearm from a parent’s residence and left behind a suicide note that expressed sentiments of racial pride. Clark, who attended Madison High School, was known for his achievements in wrestling, as highlighted on the school’s social media page.
Tragically, both Clark and Velasquez were discovered deceased inside a BMW just a few blocks from the Islamic Center of San Diego. The cause of death was determined to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Investigators found anti-Islamic writings in the vehicle, and the firearms involved in the attack were marked with hate speech, according to the source.
Law enforcement officials received a report at approximately 9:42 a.m. regarding a runaway teenager from a concerned mother. After interacting with her, the police assessed that the individual posed a significant threat to the public.
The mother reportedly expressed concerns that her son was suicidal and noted the disappearance of several firearms and her vehicle. She also mentioned that her son was accompanied by a friend and that both were dressed in camouflage, according to police statements.
The police would not clarify whether or not the missing person was involved in the shooting, though most of the details line up with what The Post was told.
Three adults, including a hero security guard believed to be Amin Abdullah, were killed in the shooting.
The two suspects fled in a white BMW, police said during a press conference Monday afternoon.
“We are safe, the entire school is safe. All the kids, all the staff, and the teachers are safe and out of the Islamic Center,” center Imam Taha Hassane said in a video obtained by the California Post and circulated among California’s Muslim community.
Authorities said officers swarmed the Islamic Center within four minutes of the first emergency calls, launching what police described as a fast-moving and “dynamic” response.
Between 50 and 100 officers entered the Islamic Center during the response as police searched classrooms, prayer areas, and surrounding buildings.
The investigation remains ongoing and authorities have yet to release a motive.