Authorities identify alleged shooters behind San Diego Mosque attack

A quiet Monday in San Diego turned into a devastating tragedy after a violent attack outside the Islamic Center of San Diego left three adult men from the community dead.

The heartbreaking shooting incident unfolded shortly before noon on May 18, at around 11:40 a.m., at the mosque-and-school compound located in the Clairemont neighborhood, and left three dead.

As the community continues mourning the loss of the victims, authorities have identified the suspected perpetrators as two local teenagers from the San Diego area.

The Islamic Center of San Diego serves as both a mosque and an educational campus. Alongside the main place of worship, the property is also home to Al Rashid School, a private Islamic elementary and middle school.

According to officials, the two teens allegedly carried out the attack outside the mosque complex, killing three men connected to the center.

Among the victims were mosque security guard Amin Abdullah and teacher Mohamed Nader.

Abdullah, a father of eight, reportedly lost his life while trying to stop the suspects from entering the school building. Authorities say his actions likely helped protect children and staff members inside the campus.

Meanwhile, Nader, who is said to have lived across the street from the mosque, reportedly ran toward the building after hearing the gunfire to check on his wife, who worked inside the school.

He was allegedly struck outside the entrance before he could make it into the building, and later died from his injuries.