Five people died Monday morning after two teenage gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego [1].
The attack targets a religious institution and is being treated as a hate crime, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding violence against faith-based communities in the U.S.
The shooting occurred May 18, 2026 [4], at the Islamic Center of San Diego located in the 7000 block of Eckstrom Ave in the Clairemont Mesa neighborhood [3]. The San Diego Police Department said officers responded to an active shooter situation at the mosque [2].
Authorities confirmed that five people were killed in total [1]. This death toll includes the two teenage gunmen [2] and three other victims, one of whom was a security guard [1].
In a statement released following the incident, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) expressed support for the community. "California stands with you," Newsom said [5].
The San Diego Police Department utilized social media to alert the public during the event. "SDPD is on scene at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the 7000 block of Eckstrom Ave for a reported active shooter," the department said in a post [6].
Police are investigating the motives behind the attack. While the shooters were teenagers, officials have not released their identities or specific affiliations. The investigation remains focused on the targeting of the mosque as the primary driver for the violence [1].
“Five people died Monday morning after two teenage gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego.”
This incident underscores the vulnerability of religious centers to targeted violence and the increasing involvement of minors in high-casualty attacks. By classifying the shooting as a hate crime, investigators are focusing on ideological motivation, which may trigger federal oversight and a broader review of security protocols for houses of worship across California.
