Three Muslim worshippers were killed in a targeted shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, May 18, 2026. The attack occurred around 11:40 a.m. at the mosque located on 7059 Parkway Drive in the Clairemont Mesa East neighborhood.
Two teenage perpetrators opened fire outside the center, killing a security guard and two school staff members before taking their own lives shortly afterward. The suspects were identified as Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, both from San Diego.
Clark and Vazquez carried out the assault after stealing guns and a vehicle from Clark’s mother’s home. Clark’s mother had called police earlier that morning to report her son missing, describing him as suicidal and potentially armed, along with a friend.
Officers were already searching for the teens when the shooting unfolded at the Islamic Center. The pair were found dead minutes later in a 2018 BMW X1 a short distance away from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The victims included security guard Amin Abdullah, a father of eight who positioned himself to protect children and staff inside the on-site Al Rashid Weekend School. His actions prevented a potentially larger massacre. The other two men killed were school staff members Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad. A landscaper nearby was shot at but escaped injury. First responders found the three victims outside the building upon arrival.
Evidence recovered at the scene pointed to hate motivation. Investigators found anti-Islamic writings in the vehicle, a suicide note at Clark’s home referencing racial pride, and a gas can with a Nazi SS sticker on the BMW. One firearm reportedly had hate speech written on it. The attack is being jointly investigated by San Diego Police, the FBI, and other agencies as a hate crime.
The Islamic Center of San Diego, which serves as both a place of worship and an educational facility, was placed on lockdown during the active shooter response. Officers arrived within minutes of the initial 911 calls and neutralized the threat after locating the suspects’ vehicle. Community members and Muslim organizations, including CAIR, condemned the attack and called for stronger action against rising anti-Muslim rhetoric.
The tragedy has deeply affected the San Diego Muslim community and prompted widespread mourning for the victims, especially the heroic security guard. Fundraising efforts for the families, particularly Abdullah’s, have raised significant support.
Authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances, including any additional writings or planning, while emphasizing that the suspects acted with apparent generalized hate toward Muslims. Anyone with information is urged to contact San Diego Police or the FBI.
