SAN DIEGO, CA – THREE KILLED IN HATE CRIME SHOOTING AT ISLAMIC CENTER OF SAN DIEGO

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA (May 19, 2026) – Three men were fatally shot at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday in an attack that authorities are investigating as a hate crime, according to the San Diego Police Department.
The shooting was reported at 11:43 a.m., and officers found the victims within minutes of being dispatched to the scene. The three adult victims killed were a mosque security guard and two staff members of the Islamic school located on the center's grounds. A landscaper working nearby was shot at but was not injured.

About two hours before the shooting, police received a call from one suspect's mother reporting her son and vehicle missing, along with several of her weapons. She said her son was suicidal and was with a companion — both dressed in camouflage.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the two suspected shooters, believed to be 17- and 18-year-old males, were found in a car and appeared to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Law enforcement officials identified the 17-year-old suspect as Cain Clark. The 18-year-old has been identified by various outlets as Caleb Vazquez or Caleb Velasquez, though police have not publicly confirmed either suspect's identity.

Investigators found hate speech scrawled on one of the weapons used in the attack, and a suicide note left at the suspect's home that contained writings about racial pride. Chief Wahl stated that the suspects had engaged in "generalized hate rhetoric," though further details were not immediately released.

The security guard who was killed played what Chief Wahl described as a "pivotal" role in preventing further casualties. One of the three victims has been identified as Amin Abdullah, a security guard at the Islamic Center.

Imam Taha Hassane, director of the center, stated at a press conference: "We have never experienced a tragedy like this before. It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship." He noted that a group of non-Muslims had visited that same morning to learn about the mosque. PrismPrism
The San Diego County District Attorney's office deployed its special prosecution and investigation team to support the San Diego Police Department and law enforcement partners in the ongoing investigation. The FBI is also assisting in the probe.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the San Diego Police Department at (619) 531-2000 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

What Hate Crime and Shooting Victims Should Know

In California, victims of hate crimes and their families have the right to pursue civil legal action regardless of the outcome of any criminal proceedings. An arrest or conviction is not required to seek compensation for injuries, wrongful death, or civil rights violations. Civil rights and personal injury claims are generally subject to a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the injury (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1). Seeking legal guidance early helps preserve critical evidence and protects your rights within that window.

If you or a loved one were injured or killed in a hate crime or shooting, consider taking the following steps:

1. Seek and document all medical treatment, including emergency room visits and any follow-up care.
2. Preserve any available evidence, such as photographs of the scene, physical items, or witness contact information.
3. Avoid providing recorded statements to any insurance representative or third party before consulting with an attorney.
4. Contact a civil rights attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and protections under California law.

Contact Our LA Civil Rights Attorney

The Law Offices of Christian Contreras represents hate crime survivors, shooting victims, and their families throughout San Diego and Los Angeles County. Our team handles civil rights and personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning there are no upfront costs and no hourly fees.

Call (866) 837-1315 now for a free, confidential consultation.

Disclaimer

This page is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Incident information is based on publicly available reports and may change as the investigation continues. The Law Offices of Christian Contreras is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any law enforcement or emergency response agency. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and no outcome is promised or implied.