A shooting at a large mosque in San Diego, United States, left three people dead. Two teenage suspects were found dead nearby.

According to the Associated Press, at around 11:40 a.m. on the 18th (local time), a shooting occurred at the ‘Islamic Center’ in Clairemont, San Diego County, California, United States. One security guard and two men who were outside the mosque were killed.

The Islamic Center is the largest mosque in the San Diego area, and houses Al Rashid School, which offers Arabic and Quran classes for students aged 5 and older. All students were confirmed to be safe.

The two teenage suspects were found dead in a vehicle on a nearby roadway. Police believe they took their own lives. About two hours before the incident, the mother of one suspect reported that her son, who appeared to be experiencing suicidal urges, had left home with three firearms she owned and a vehicle. The suspect was said to have been wearing, along with an acquaintance, camouflage-patterned clothing in the style of military uniforms. Police did not disclose the contents of a note the mother found from her son.

Police are investigating the case as a hate crime. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said there was no indication the suspects made specific threats against the Islamic Center, but said evidence was found that they had made “general hate speech.”

The attack came a little over a week before the Muslim major holiday ‘Eid al-Adha’ (Feast of Sacrifice) and the annual pilgrimage (Hajj). Taha Hassane, the imam (religious leader) of the Islamic Center, said, “We have never experienced a tragedy like this,” and added, “Targeting a house of worship is something to be deeply angered by.”

Reuters reported that since a war between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other began on February 28, anxiety has been growing within Muslim and Jewish communities in the United States. In March, there was also a vehicle-ramming incident at a large synagogue in Michigan.

California Governor Gavin Newsom said on the social network X, “People who worship anywhere should not have to fear for their lives,” adding, “There is no place for hate in California, and we will never tolerate acts of terror or intimidation directed at faith communities.”