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3 adults killed in shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego; both suspects dead: Police

A sheriff's deputy stages at the scene of a shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, May 18, 2026.
Gregory Bull/AP Photo)
A sheriff's deputy stages at the scene of a shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, May 18, 2026.

By Emily Shapiro

Three adult men, one of whom was a security guard, were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, authorities said.

The security guard appeared to play a "pivotal role" in keeping the shooting from being worse, police said at a news conference.

Both suspects, who are teenagers, are dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said.

People stand behind police tape at the scene of a shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, May 18, 2026.
(Courtesy: Gregory Bull/AP Photo)
Emergency workers respond at the scene of a reported active shooter situation at the Islamic Center in San Diego, Calif., May 18, 2026.
(Courtesy: Mike Blake/Reuters)

All children are safe, police said.

Photos show children being evacuated from the area.

Police said the shooting is currently being considered a hate crime since it took place at a mosque.

People are led away by police from the Islamic Center of San Diego, May 18, 2026.
(Courtesy: KGTV)
People are led away by police from the Islamic Center of San Diego, May 18, 2026.
(Courtesy: KGTV)

The Islamic Center of San Diego says it is the largest mosque in San Diego County.

"We strongly condemn this horrifying act of violence," Tazheen Nizam, the executive director of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this attack. No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school."

Islamic Center of San Diego
(Courtesy: Google Maps Street View)

A sheriff's deputy stages at the scene of a shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, May 18, 2026.
(Courtesy: Gregory Bull/AP Photo)

In New York City, the NYPD said there's "no known nexus to NYC or specific threats to NYC houses of worship," but the department said it is increasing officer deployments to mosques "out of an abundance of caution."

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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