Victims of San Diego shooting tried to draw the attackers away from the mosque, police say

Three individuals were killed during a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, May 18, 2026. Among the victims was a security guard described as having ‘saved lives’ by police, along with two others who attempted to draw the attackers away from the mosque. The two teenage shooters, Caleb Liam Vazquez, 18, and Cain Lee Clark, 17, were found dead from apparent self-inflicted wounds. The attackers met online before discovering they lived in the same area, where they exchanged radicalized ideology, according to the FBI and San Diego Police Department. Authorities believe they were influenced by extremist beliefs, as evidenced by Nazi and white supremacist imagery displayed during the attack. The shooters also shared a live video of the shooting and a lengthy written document, which included hate speech. Law enforcement executed three search warrants at residences linked to the shooters, seizing over 30 firearms, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, and a crossbow. A manifesto recovered during the investigation covered racial and religious beliefs, while a suicide note contained references to racial pride. FBI Special Agent Mark Remily stated the investigation remains in early stages, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the radicalization process. The attackers’ vehicle contained a red gas canister with a Nazi symbol, further highlighting the hate-driven nature of the attack. The Islamic Center of San Diego remains a focal point for the community, with local Muslim groups identifying the victims. The San Diego Police Department continues to collaborate with federal agencies to gather additional details about the incident.