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Shots fired at the Islamic Centre in San Diego. Five dead, two bombers and three adults

The shooting occurred in the largest mosque in the Californian city

18 May 2026Aggiornato il 19 maggio 2026 ore 07:30

Le forze dell'ordine di San Diego intervengono in seguito a una sparatori presso l'Islamic Center of San Diego, situato nel quartiere di Clairemont a San Diego, California, USA, il 18 maggio 2026. Le forze di polizia di tutta la contea di San Diego sono intervenute in seguito a una sparatoria in corso presso l'Islamic Center of San Diego nel quartiere di Clairemont. Tre persone sono state uccise, tra cui una guardia di sicurezza. EPA/JOHN GASTALDO EPA

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Two teenagers, aged 17 and 18, opened fire at the Islamic Centre in San Diego, California, killing three men outside the mosque, including a security guard, who, according to authorities, played a crucial role in limiting the loss of life. The two suspects were found dead in a nearby car, apparently from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators are treating the shooting as a "hate crime".

Mother's report

Wahl recounted that the police department had received a report on 'a runaway juvenile' from the mother of one of the suspects. The woman had reported her son's suicidal tendencies, pointing out that he had absconded with his weapons and his car, and that he was with a friend, both dressed in camouflage clothing.

The mother of one of the two suspects said her son left a note. "He found a note," the police chief said, without revealing the contents.

The report of the shooting at the Islamic Centre came while officers were searching for the minor. Arriving at the scene, officers found three men dead outside the mosque, including the security guard.

"We believe that the guard at least managed to contain the situation in the area in front of the mosque," Wahl said, "I think it is fair to say that his actions were heroic and that he undoubtedly saved lives.

Speaking to the press, the director of the Islamic Centre, which also includes a school, Imam Taha Hassane, said: 'This is something we never expected, but at the same time, the religious intolerance and hatred that unfortunately exists in our nation is unprecedented. We all have a responsibility to spread the culture of tolerance'.

Still no motive

The police have not yet released the specific motive for the shooting, nor the name of the suspect. The FBI is assisting in the investigation. "We are assessing the situation". President Donald Trump has been informed.

An imam of the Islamic Centre of San Diego said teachers, students and other school staff who were in the mosque are safe. "At the moment there is no threat, but we ask everyone to stay away from the Islamic Centre of San Diego," he said in a video message. "We will remain closed for the rest of the day. Stay safe, stay home and pray a lot."

The Islamic Centre is located in a densely populated neighbourhood about 14 kilometres north of downtown San Diego. Governor Gavin Newsom's office said it had been informed of the incident. "We are grateful to the first responders on the scene who are working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow the lead of local authorities," his office wrote on social platform X.

Il luogo della sparatoria

At least one armed bomber

Authorities believe that there was at least one armed bomber at the Islamic Centre, but there are no further details. Officers responded to the scene after receiving several reports of a shooting in progress. Several nearby schools were placed on lockdown as the situation unfolded, the department concluded.

According to its website, the Islamic Centre is the largest mosque in San Diego County. The complex includes the Al Rashid School, which according to its website offers courses in Arabic language, Islamic studies and the Koran.

The website states that its mission is not only to serve the Muslim population, but also to "collaborate with the broader community to help the less fortunate, educate and improve our nation". Five prayers a day are held here and the mosque collaborates with other organisations and people of all faiths on social causes.

New York police intensify controls

The New York Police Department announced the deployment of more officers to mosques in response to the ongoing shooting in San Diego. "While there are currently no known connections to New York City or specific threats to New York City places of worship, as a matter of extreme precaution, the NYPD is stepping up the deployment of officers to mosques throughout the city," a department statement read.