The Islamic Center of San Diego was the scene of a deadly shooting that left three people dead and two alleged teenage gunmen found dead nearby; investigators have released suspect names and preliminary information about possible motives as police continue to piece together the timeline and evidence.
Authorities responded to a mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday just before noon Pacific time, and three people were confirmed dead at the scene. Reports indicate that a security guard at the mosque “played a pivotal role” in saving lives during the attack, and he is among those mentioned in initial briefings. Police located a vehicle a few blocks from the center with two deceased individuals inside, believed to be the suspects.
Investigators say the two people found in that vehicle died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, and law enforcement sources have begun identifying them as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Velasquez. Officials are looking into how the suspects obtained weapons and what inspired the attack, including items recovered at the scene and in the vehicle. Anti-Islamic writings and other hateful messaging were reportedly discovered in connection with the incident, and investigators are treating those findings as part of their ongoing examination.
Officials disclosed that earlier in the morning, police had received a call about a runaway juvenile at about 9:42 a.m., which triggered follow-up contacts with the juvenile’s mother and prompted officers to elevate concern about the individual’s potential threat to the community. That exchange has become a focus for investigators trying to establish whether warning signs were present and how the timeline unfolded. Detectives are also tracing the suspects’ movements, social contacts, and any online activity that could clarify motive.
The alleged gunmen in a shooting rampage that left three people dead outside a San Diego mosque have been identified as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Velasquez, according to a law enforcement source.
At least one of the suspects took a weapon from their parent’s home, and left a suicide note that talked about racial pride, a law enforcement source told The Post. Clark attended Madison High School and was a standout wrestler, according to the school’s social media page.
Clark and Vazquez were found dead inside a BMW from self-inflicted gunshot wounds only a few blocks from the Islamic Center of San Diego. Anti-Islamic writings were found in the suspect’s vehicle and “hate speech” was written on the firearms used in the shooting, according to the source.
Police revealed that around 9:42 a.m. they had received a call of a runaway juvenile from a concerned mother. After speaking with the mom, police began to elevate the threat level the individual posed to the community.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl addressed reporters and noted the nature of the material tied to the suspects, saying, “There was definitely hate rhetoric involved,” as investigators sift through the evidence. Officials emphasized that their probe covers both the immediate actions of the suspects and the broader context that may have influenced them. Forensic teams are cataloging physical evidence, while specialized units are working on digital forensics to recover online communications and search histories.
Local law enforcement also confirmed that at least one of the weapons used in the attack appears to have been taken from a family home, which raises questions about storage and access. Investigators are interviewing family members, acquaintances, and school officials to understand the suspects’ recent behavior and any red flags that might have been missed. School communities and local leaders have expressed shock, and authorities are coordinating with the mosque to support victims’ families and congregation members.
The mosque’s community was deeply affected by the violence, and leaders called for calm while demanding a thorough and transparent investigation. Members of the public and faith leaders gathered in the aftermath to offer support and to call attention to the need for safety and healing. City officials have pledged resources to assist victims and to ensure that investigators have what they need to complete a full review of the events.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement has not publicly released a complete motive or final conclusions about the suspects’ intent beyond the evidence recovered so far. Detectives are also coordinating with federal partners because of the possible hate-related elements uncovered in the case. Officials warn that details may change as evidence is processed and interviews are completed, and they are asking anyone with information to come forward to aid the inquiry.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to RedState for updates.
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