SAN DIEGO, CA. (THECOUNT) — Mansour Kaziha, Nader Awad, and Amin Abdullah were identified Tuesday as the three victims killed during Monday’s deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, according to local Muslim leaders and authorities. Law enforcement sources identified the suspected gunmen as Caleb Velasquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17.
Officials said the attack is being investigated as a possible hate crime after investigators reportedly discovered anti-Islamic writings and Nazi-related materials connected to the suspects.
|
Advertisement |
Authorities said both suspects were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
According to multiple reports citing law enforcement officials, the suspects’ bodies were discovered near firearms and a gas can displaying the Nazi “SS” symbol.
Investigators also reportedly recovered anti-Islamic writings from the suspects’ vehicle.
Officials told multiple media outlets that at least one suspect allegedly left behind writings referencing ethnic pride.
Authorities have not publicly released complete details regarding the writings or evidence recovered during the investigation.
San Diego police said the investigation into motive remains ongoing.
The two deceased teen shooters at the Islamic Center of San Diego have been identified as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vasquez.
The attack claimed the lives of three victims. pic.twitter.com/wi440yBgOZ
— I Meme Therefore I Am 🇺🇸 (@ImMeme0) May 19, 2026
Officials stated Monday that hate-related rhetoric connected to the suspects was identified during the investigation.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators are treating the incident as a hate crime investigation.
“There was definitely hate rhetoric that was involved,” Wahl stated during a press briefing.
Authorities credited a security guard at the mosque who was among those killed with helping prevent additional casualties during the shooting.
Community leaders and members praised the victims Tuesday, describing their actions during the attack as heroic.
The local chapter of the :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}, commonly known as CAIR, publicly identified the victims.
Officials also confirmed one suspect’s mother contacted police Monday to report her son missing and suicidal around the time of the shooting.
Chief Wahl stated some details surrounding the suspects’ preparation and actions were inconsistent with what authorities would typically associate with a suicidal individual.
According to investigators, one suspect was reportedly wearing camouflage clothing during the incident.
Authorities said the broader threat assessment and motive investigation remain active.
Cain Clark reportedly attended Madison High School and participated in wrestling activities associated with Poway Wrestling, according to publicly available athletic records.
Police have not publicly discussed additional background information regarding the suspects.
The Islamic Center of San Diego remained an active crime scene Tuesday as investigators continued processing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies continue investigating the shooting.
No additional information has been released at this time.
Google Maps: Islamic Center of San Diego, California
DEVELOPING::