The two teenage suspects in the gun attack on a San Diego mosque shared a broad hatred of multiple religions and racial groups, authorities have said.
Five people, including the two attackers, died in the deadly violence on Monday.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack, but San Diego's police chief stated that the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
The suspects were found dead of apparent self-inflicted wounds in a vehicle blocks away from the mosque, police reported.
What was the timeline of the attack?
Authorities responded to a report of an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego at 11:43 AM local time on Monday. Officers arrived minutes later and discovered three men dead outside the mosque.
As officers began their active shooter protocols, they received reports of shots fired from a vehicle nearby, although no one was injured.
The mother of one suspect had notified police earlier in the day that her son had taken her firearms and vehicle.
Less than a quarter of a mile away, police later found the attackers' vehicle, where both young men were found with fatal wounds.
Who were the victims?
The slain victims included notable mosque security guard Amin Abdullah, who prevented further casualties during the attack. He was remembered as a dedicated community member and father of eight.
Understanding the Attackers
Despite not revealing their identities, authorities describe the suspects, aged 17 and 18, as radicalized individuals meeting online. A thorough investigation has since uncovered numerous firearms registered to family members, and writings suggesting a broad spectrum of hatred towards various religions and races. Police are continuing to explore the attackers’ motives and planned targets.
