A shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego left five people dead Monday afternoon, including three adult worshippers and two teenage suspects, according to law enforcement officials who stressed there is no ongoing threat to the community.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told reporters that officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center, where they found three adult males fatally wounded inside the facility. Two suspects, described as teenagers aged approximately 17 and 19, were later found deceased and are believed to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, Wahl said in a press conference transcribed by Rev. He added that, based on preliminary information, no officers fired their weapons during the incident.
Authorities said both suspects and victims were located at or near the Islamic Center, a long-established mosque that serves a large Muslim community in San Diego. In all, “we have our two suspects that are deceased” and “three victims at the Islamic Center… for a total of five people that are deceased related to this incident,” Wahl explained, noting that the investigation remains in its early stages and that a precise motive has not yet been publicly identified. Spanish-language coverage from Fox News also reported that three adults were killed and two teenage suspects are dead following the shooting, with the cause of the suspects’ deaths believed to be self-inflicted gunshot wounds as authorities continue their work at the scene (Fox News).
Officials with the Federal Bureau of Investigation are assisting local police. The FBI has established a digital media tip line for images, videos, or other information that could help reconstruct the events leading up to the attack, directing the public to submit material via fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI, according to the joint press briefing. The San Diego mayor and federal authorities emphasized that, based on current information, there is no indication of an additional suspect at large.
For Christians in San Diego and beyond, the tragedy is a sobering reminder of the biblical call to “mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15) and to love our neighbors, including those of other faiths, as ourselves (Matthew 22:39). Even as details about the shooters and their motives remain unclear, believers are urged to pray for the families of the three slain worshippers, for the broader Muslim community shaken by fear and grief, and for first responders and investigators who must now piece together what happened.
Christian leaders and congregations in the region are likely to face renewed questions about how churches can stand alongside Muslim neighbors in moments of crisis, offering practical help, presence, and compassion that reflect Christ’s heart for the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). As San Diego waits for more information on why this attack occurred, the wider body of Christ has an opportunity to pray for justice, for comfort, and for the peace of the city, asking God to restrain violence and to heal deep wounds that acts like this leave behind.
Image Credits:
• Islamic Center of San Diego a few hours after the 2026 shooting via Wikimedia Commons by Leonard LMT with usage type - Creative Commons License
Featured Image Credit:
• Islamic Center of San Diego a few hours after the 2026 shooting via Wikimedia Commons by Leonard LMT with usage type - Creative Commons License