San Diego Mosque Shooters Identified

Two teenage suspects in a shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego were identified as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Velasquez, according to a law enforcement source cited by the New York Post.

The attack left three people dead outside the mosque before the two suspects were found dead inside a white BMW several blocks away from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, authorities said.

According to the report, at least one of the suspects took a weapon from a parent’s home and left a suicide note referencing racial pride. Anti-Islamic writings were reportedly found inside the vehicle, and hate messages were written on firearms used in the attack.

A shotgun and a gas can marked with an “SS” sticker were also found near the scene where the suspects’ bodies were discovered. The symbol appeared to refer to the Schutzstaffel, the Nazi paramilitary organization led by Heinrich Himmler under Adolf Hitler.

Clark attended Madison High School and was a standout wrestler, according to the school’s social media pages. His grandfather, David Clark, told the Post that the family was shocked.

“We’re very sorry for what happened. We know as much as you do,” he said.

Police said they received a call at around 9:42 a.m. from a mother reporting a runaway juvenile. After speaking with her, officers began to assess that the individual could pose a heightened threat to the public. The mother reportedly said her son was suicidal, that several weapons were missing from her home and that her vehicle was gone. She also said her son was with another person and that they were dressed in camouflage.

Police have not publicly confirmed whether the missing juvenile was one of the suspects.

The three victims killed outside the mosque included security guard and father of eight Amin Abdullah, who police said helped prevent further deaths. The other victims were described as a grocery store owner and another man.

Authorities said officers arrived at the Islamic Center within four minutes of the first emergency calls. Between 50 and 100 officers entered the complex, searching classrooms, prayer areas and nearby buildings during what police described as a fast-moving response.

“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,” Imam Taha Hassane said in a video shared with members of California’s Muslim community.

Authorities have not released a final motive, but the investigation is being treated as a hate crime.