Deaths in attack on mosque in San Diego

Three people have been shot in an attack on an Islamic centre in California. Two alleged attackers were later found dead near the scene of the attack in San Diego.

Attack on mosque in San Diego: Police investigate as hate crime

Three people have been shot at the Islamic Centre of San Diego. According to Deutsche Welle, the first emergency responders arrived within four minutes of the emergency call and found three dead victims outside the building. Police officers then entered the mosque and the adjacent school.

The Islamic Centre houses a school alongside the mosque. Two alleged attackers of teenage age were found dead in a car near the scene of the attack shortly afterwards. Police said that the threat at the facility had been "neutralised".

According to police, one of the victims was a security staff member at the Islamic Centre. Police Chief Scott Wahl specifically commended his intervention: "His actions were heroic, and he undoubtedly saved lives today." According to Wahl, the staff member had prevented an even greater number of victims.

When asked about the motive, Wahl stated that "clearly hate-filled statements" had been identified. Because the scene of the crime was a religious facility, the attack would initially be treated as a hate crime unless evidence suggested otherwise. He did not provide further details.

Wahl also said that the mother of one of the suspects had contacted police approximately two hours before the attack. She had reported that her son was "suicidal" and that several weapons and her vehicle had been stolen. How police responded to this call is not yet fully clarified.

Imam Taha Hassane stated: "We have never experienced such a tragedy." It was "extremely outrageous to attack a place of prayer." US President Donald Trump spoke of a "terrible situation" at the White House.

California Governor Gavin Newsom emphasised that believers must not fear for their lives anywhere. Hatred has no place in California, and the state would not tolerate "terrorist acts or intimidation against faith communities." Addressing the Muslim community in San Diego, Newsom stated: "California stands with you."

According to the Gun Violence Archive database, almost 15,000 people were killed by firearms in the United States last year — not including suicides. The United States records one of the highest rates of gun deaths globally.

Source: Deutsche Welle