Three Killed in Suspected Hate Crime Shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego

On May 18, 2026, two teenage males opened fire outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County, killing three men before dying from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a vehicle nearby. Law enforcement is investigating the attack as a hate crime.

### The Attack

The shooting occurred around 11:43 a.m. near the mosque. The suspects, armed with multiple weapons, fired on people outside the facility. A security guard, identified as Amin Abdullah (a father of eight), confronted the attackers and is credited with preventing further casualties inside the building, where children and staff were present. The other victims were mosque members Nader Awad and Mansoor Kazziha (also reported as Nadir Awad and Mansour Kaziha).

The suspects then drove a short distance away, where they were found dead in a stopped vehicle from self-inflicted wounds. Police had been searching for one suspect earlier that day after his mother reported him missing, suicidal, and possibly armed.

A livestream video captured elements of the attack, and investigators recovered neo-Nazi insignia on the suspects and weapons.

### Suspects

Authorities initially withheld names during early press conferences but have been identified in multiple media reports as:

- **Cain Clark**, 17, from the Clairemont area of San Diego. He attended Madison High School (virtually in recent years) and was a former wrestler.

- **Caleb Vazquez** (also spelled Velasquez or Vascuez in some reports), 18.

Both were biological males. They reportedly met online and shared extremist views. Police executed search warrants at associated residences and recovered a weapons cache (more than 30 guns), tactical gear, and other items.

### Manifesto and Motive

A 75-page document circulating online, with sections attributed to each suspect, outlines white nationalist ideology, hatred toward Muslims, immigrants, racial minorities, Jewish people, the LGBTQ+ community, women, and various political groups. It includes anti-Islamic writings and references to past mass shooters. One section discusses mental health struggles and rejection by women.

The FBI and San Diego police described the writings as containing generalized hate rhetoric and Nazi-associated symbols (e.g., Black Sun). No specific prior threat to the mosque was noted, but the targeting and materials led to the hate crime classification.

Claims circulating on social media that the suspects were a "trans couple" or transgender have been debunked by reporting on their identities, the manifesto's anti-LGBTQ content, and law enforcement details.

### Response and Aftermath

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl and FBI officials briefed the public, praising the victims' actions. The community raised significant funds for Abdullah's family. Muslim leaders have called for enhanced security at places of worship.

The investigation continues into the suspects' online radicalization and full timeline. As of May 20, 2026, no additional suspects are being sought.