What should have been a quiet day of prayer and preparation before Eid turned into horror outside a California mosque — and left an entire community shaken.
Two teenage attackers opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, killing three men before later taking their own lives, police said.
Investigators believe the assault may have been motivated by hate.
Among those killed was a security guard described by police as a hero.
Officials say the father-of-eight confronted the gunmen and likely prevented an even deadlier massacre.
“Undoubtedly he saved lives today,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said.
The attack unfolded while officers were already searching for one of the suspects after his mother reported he had taken several firearms from home.
According to police, the teens — aged 17 and 18 — were dressed in camouflage and had left behind writings containing “generalised hate rhetoric.”
Shooting Leaves Community Reeling
Moments after the mosque shooting, the suspects allegedly fired at a landscaper from their vehicle.
Before being found dead from self-inflicted wounds a few blocks away.
Inside the mosque complex, children attending religious classes were hurried to safety as armed officers cleared rooms. Nearby schools were also locked down.
“It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship,” said Imam Taha Hassane. “This is a house of worship, not a battlefield.”
And perhaps that’s the hardest truth communities now face: even sacred spaces no longer feel untouched by violence.
