Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
SAN DIEGO — Three men were killed in a shooting at a San Diego mosque Monday and both suspects are dead, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said.
Both suspects are believed to be teens and the case is considered to be a hate crime, Wahl said.
The shooting happened at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County.
Aerial TV footage showed more than a dozen children holding hands and being walked out of the parking lot of the center that is surrounded by scores of police vehicles. The white mosque is in a neighborhood of homes, apartments and strip malls with Middle Eastern restaurants and markets.
Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said he was being briefed.
"We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities," his office posted on the social platform X.
The Islamic Center's website says its mission is to not only serve the Muslim population but also "work with the larger community to serve the less fortunate, to educate, and to better our nation." Five daily prayers are held there, and the mosque works with other organizations and people of all faiths on social causes.
