By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
SAN DIEGO (Dawan) Three people, including a security guard, were killed in a shooting attack Monday at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the United States, according to ABC News.
Police said two young men suspected of carrying out the attack were later found dead inside a vehicle near the scene. Authorities said investigators are treating the incident as a possible hate-motivated attack.
The victims were identified as Amin Abdullah, who worked as a mosque security guard, Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad. Police said they were shot outside the Islamic center while attempting to escape the attack.
ABC News reported that investigators are also examining whether the attack was linked to extremist ideologies involving racism and religious hatred.
Authorities said the two suspects, aged 17 and 18, met online and allegedly shared what investigators described as “broad hatred” toward different religions and ethnic groups.
Police said the suspects entered the mosque compound after exchanging gunfire with the security guard, who officials described as a “hero” for slowing the attackers and allowing children and other worshippers time to hide.
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“His actions saved many lives, including many children,” San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said.
Officials said around 140 children were inside the Islamic center at the time of the attack.
Investigators also said they recovered writings and symbols linked to neo-Nazi ideology and anti-Muslim hatred from the suspects’ vehicle and other locations connected to the case.
San Diego authorities said security had been increased around places of worship following the attack.
“Islamophobia has no place in San Diego,” Mayor Todd Gloria said.
The Islamic Center of San Diego is one of the largest mosques in San Diego County.