The Islamic Center of San Diego shooting incident that occurred a day after the incident on May 19th where authorities stated that the two teenage suspects met online and were radicalized through internet influence, exhibiting “widespread hate” that was not limited to Muslims. Police also mentioned that surveillance footage showed that the three deceased individuals restrained the gunmen, averting potentially more casualties.
Mark Remily, head of the San Diego office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced during a press conference on the 19th that three searches had been conducted at residences associated with the two suspects, resulting in the discovery of a large cache of firearms, including handguns, rifles, shotguns, as well as ammunition. A total of 30 firearms and a crossbow were seized by the FBI, with further investigations ongoing on electronic devices.
Remily revealed that from the suspects’ vehicle, authorities found manifestos and other written materials, indicating a wide range of hateful ideologies, religious extremes, and beliefs about the world. While not specifying the exact nature of the ideologies or viewpoints expressed by the suspects.
The FBI official highlighted that the suspects became radicalized online after meeting on the internet and later discovering they resided in San Diego. Their hatred was described as “broad” and directed towards many individuals.
The shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 18th around 11:40 a.m. involving the 17 and 18-year-old suspects resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a security guard at the center, a center staff member, and the husband of a school teacher. The center, besides being a place of worship, also houses a school catering from preschool to high school grades.
Aside from age, authorities have not yet released the suspects’ names. Police Chief Wahl, during a press briefing on the 19th, cited privacy concerns for not disclosing the suspects’ family information.
The FBI stated that the motives of the suspects are still under investigation. Conclusions on whether the suspects targeted only Muslims or had broader plans are yet to be reached.
According to the Associated Press, the suspects’ hateful rhetoric in the manifesto targeted Jews, Muslims, African Americans, women, LGBTQ individuals, as well as both political spectrums.
Several media outlets have reported more details regarding the suspects. The 17-year-old suspect is a student of the San Diego Unified School District and has been studying online since 2021, with graduation expected next month.
The 17-year-old suspect participated as a team member in a wrestling team activity at a high school in San Diego in 2024. The district spokesperson informed the Associated Press that the suspect had no disciplinary records during high school.
The 17-year-old suspect and his family resided near the Islamic Center. Neighbors Marne and Ted Celaya stated that the last time they saw the suspect was hours before the shooting, as he waved at them while leaving alone. They had been neighbors for over 20 years and had watched him and his brother growing up.
Marne Celaya expressed disbelief about the shooting, mentioning how the suspect had helped her carry groceries home.
The three deceased individuals in the shooting were identified as Amin Abdullah, 51, the security guard at the Islamic Center; Mansour Kaziha, 78, a staff member of the center; and Mohamed Nader, 57, a regular at the center and the husband of a school teacher.
Scott Wahl, chief of the San Diego Police Department, recounted that when the gunman entered the Islamic Center, a confrontat…