Teen Gunmen in ‘Fully Armored’ Assault on San Diego Mosque; Guard Killed

Two teenage gunmen, armed with handguns and rifles, rushed toward the Islamic Center of San Diego in a “fully armored” assault, authorities said.

A security guard shot and struck one of the shooters, members of the mosque said, but the gunman continued charging. The guard alerted school administrators to initiate a lockdown before being shot and killed. “If it was not for him … The carnage would be much worse,” said Imam Taha Hassane. “He sacrificed his life.”

Two other victims were on the phone with police when they were killed, according to a witness who described the scene in an Instagram post from the Islamic Center. Police arrived to find the suspected shooters near the mosque dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

The gunmen met and were radicalized online, according to the FBI. Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily said investigators uncovered a “manifesto” expressing “broad hatred” toward various races and religions.

Investigators searching two residences in connection with the case found 30 firearms, a crossbow, tactical gear, ammunition, and electronics, Remily said.

“We also identified writings and various ideologies outlining religious and racial beliefs of how the world they envisioned should look,” he said. “These subjects did not discriminate on who they hated.” He added it was too early to determine if the Islamic Center was the sole or specific target.

On Monday, the mother of one of the gunmen alerted police shortly before the shooting that her 17-year-old son was suicidal and potentially armed. Officers were searching for him and his 18-year-old friend in a neighborhood near the mosque when the shooting began.

Remily said the firearms used were registered to one of the parents. “Exactly how they … were able to obtain them, is still under investigation,” he said. The FBI has opened a tip line and continues seeking information on the gunmen and their motives.

One of the gunmen was enrolled in a virtual learning academy at the San Diego Unified School District and was set to graduate high school this year, a district spokesperson said.

During the shooting, five public schools near the Islamic Center were placed on lockdown. Imam Hassane, also the center’s director, said the center conducts active-shooter lockdown drills several times a year, which he said undoubtedly protected people.

“It worked, you know,” he said. “The lives of the kids were saved. The lives of everyone in the school were saved, and we’re so grateful for that.”

In the US, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123. In Australia, Lifeline is 13 11 14. Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.