San Diego Islamic Center Armed Attack (2026)

San Diego Islamic Center Armed Attack is an armed attack that occurred on May 18, 2026, at the San Diego Islamic Center in San Diego, California, United States, resulting in the deaths of three people. Two individuals believed to have carried out the attack were found dead several blocks from the scene. Authorities assessed the attackers’ deaths as suicide and initiated an investigation under the category of hate crime.

^{Situation in the area following the attack, May 19, 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

May 18, 2026 at 09:42 local time, the San Diego Police Department received a call from a mother reporting that her son had left home, exhibited signs of suicidal intent, and had taken weapons and a vehicle from the house. The mother also stated that her son was wearing camouflage clothing and was accompanied by a friend.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl announced that the threat level had been elevated following the report. Authorities utilized various technologies including automatic license plate readers to locate the two individuals. After identifying a connection between one suspect and Madison High School, school police were alerted and security measures around the campus were increased.

On the same day at 11:43, an active armed attack was reported at 7000 block of Eckstrom Street. Police units arrived at the scene four minutes later. According to Scott Wahl, between 50 and 100 officers entered the San Diego Islamic Center, and doors to several rooms were broken during search operations. It was confirmed that police did not open fire.

Upon arrival, police found the bodies of three individuals outside the building. Gunfire was heard in the vicinity during the operation, and it was reported that a gardener working nearby was shot, with the bullet striking his helmet. The attackers were later found dead inside a vehicle parked near the scene.

^{Situation in the area following the attack, May 19, 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Amin Abdullah served as a security officer at the San Diego Islamic Center. Abdullah, who had worked at the mosque for over a decade, was the father of eight children. According to authorities, Abdullah noticed the suspects at the mosque entrance and opened fire. A confrontation ensued after the attackers returned fire.

According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, Abdullah prevented the attackers from entering the mosque and reaching classrooms used by approximately 140 children inside. The police chief stated: “It is accurate to say his actions were heroic. Without doubt, he saved lives today.”

Mansour Kaziha was one of the longest-standing members of the San Diego Islamic Center. He had been involved with the center since its founding in 1986 and was responsible for maintenance, landscaping, and various daily tasks within the mosque complex.

According to Police Chief Scott Wahl, Kaziha attempted to lead the attackers away from the mosque building toward the parking area. Authorities stated that Kaziha was cornered and killed by the attackers.

Nadir Awad was a member of the San Diego Islamic Center congregation. Imam Taha Hassane of the mosque noted that Awad had prayed at the mosque for many years, that his children had grown up in its vicinity, and that his wife had worked as a teacher at the center’s school.

According to authorities, Awad also attempted to direct the attackers away from the mosque building toward the parking area. It was reported that Awad was cornered and killed by the attackers.

The San Diego Police Department disclosed the identities of the attackers to the public on May 19, 2026. The suspects were identified as 18-year-old Caleb Liam Vazquez and 17-year-old Cain Lee Clark.

According to authorities, Cain Lee Clark’s mother contacted police hours before the attack to report that her son had left home. She stated that he showed signs of suicidal intent, had taken three weapons and a vehicle from the house, was wearing camouflage clothing, and was accompanied by another person.

It was reported that Clark had previously attended the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts before transitioning to online education.

FBI San Diego Special Agent Mark Remily stated that the two suspects had met online and later met in person. Remily noted that the suspects had shared hate content targeting Islam and other religions on online platforms.

Examination of the vehicle uncovered written materials expressing racial and religious views, various ideological documents, and manifesto texts. Authorities also confirmed that one of the weapons used in the attack bore hate-related inscriptions and that the suicide note attributed to the suspects contained writings promoting racial supremacy.

Authorities conducted searches at three locations linked to the suspects. During these searches, more than 30 firearms, numerous pistols, rifles and hunting rifles, a crossbow, ammunition, tactical equipment, and electronic devices were seized.

Authorities stated that some of the weapons belonged to one of the suspects’ families. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether other planned attacks were found among the seized materials.

The investigation into the incident is being conducted by local and federal agencies. The FBI’s San Diego office deployed special agents, operational personnel, evidence examination teams, victim specialists, and bomb disposal units to the scene. Bomb disposal teams conducted an examination of the vehicle where the suspects were found dead.

^{Memorial event held after the attack on the San Diego Islamic Center, May 20, 2026 – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

State prosecutors have also joined the investigation. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stated that assessments are ongoing regarding the attack’s likely primary target and threat level. Authorities are investigating whether the San Diego Islamic Center had been preselected as a target.

Wahl indicated that investigations into the planning of the attack are continuing and appealed to the public for any information or footage that could assist the investigation. Evidence under review includes various materials, including security camera footage from the mosque.

United States President Donald Trump described the incident as a “terrible situation.” U.S. Vice President JD Vance condemned the attack in a statement at the White House: “Such violence in the United States is abhorrent. I invite every American to pray for those involved and affected by this tragedy. We do not want such an event to occur in our country.”

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the attack. UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric emphasized that attacks on places of worship are particularly repugnant and stressed the urgent need to combat all forms of hatred and intolerance. Guterres conveyed condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with the Muslim community, calling for a thorough investigation.

UN Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) High Representative Miguel Ángel Moratinos expressed shock at the attack, stating: “This hate crime is especially tragic and heartbreaking because it occurred at the beginning of Dhu al-Hijjah, one of Islam’s holiest months and a time of deep faith, reflection, and unity for Muslim communities.”

The foreign ministries of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar also issued written statements condemning the attack and extending condolences to the families of the victims.

CAIR San Diego Director Tazheen Nizam stated in her remarks: “No one should fear for their safety while praying or attending elementary school.”

Chair of the San Diego Muslim Leadership Council Abdullah Tahiri noted that the attackers “did not act in a vacuum” and asserted that the attack was “a direct and foreseeable consequence of a political climate that turns a blind eye to anti-Muslim sentiment.”

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said: “Islamophobia is threatening Muslim communities across this country. We must confront it directly and stand united against policies of fear and division.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom stated in his remarks that he was “horrified by today’s violent attack” and emphasized that “there is no place for hate in California.”

San Diego Islamic Center is the largest mosque in San Diego and serves a congregation of over 5,000 people. Located in the Clairemont neighborhood on Eckstrom Street, approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) north of downtown San Diego.

The center houses Al Rashid School, which provides Arabic language, Islamic studies, and Quranic instruction to children aged five and older. The mosque conducts five daily prayers, Friday sermons, educational meetings, and community seminars.

Imam Taha Hassane noted that the center had received years of hate mail and threats, prompting the implementation of security measures such as surveillance cameras, armed security personnel, and perimeter fencing. However, he said they never anticipated an attack of this scale.