Federal and local investigators are examining an online video allegedly posted by one of the suspects in Monday’s deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, according to law enforcement sources.
Three men, including security guard Amin Abdullah, were killed in the attack. Police said the two suspected shooters, ages 17 and 18, were later found dead inside a nearby vehicle.
Authorities identified the suspects as Cain Clark and Caleb Vazquez. Investigators believe the teens were radicalized online and are exploring possible links to neo-Nazi and nihilistic extremist ideologies.
Extremist Symbols and Writings Found
Sources told investigators that extremist symbols, including neo-Nazi imagery, were visible in the alleged video and on items recovered at the scene. Authorities also recovered writings promoting white nationalism and hatred toward minorities and immigrants.
The FBI said the suspects appeared to share a “broad hatred” of multiple racial and religious groups.
Security Guard Credited With Saving Lives
San Diego Police Dept.
Police said Abdullah exchanged gunfire with the suspects and triggered a lockdown that helped protect roughly 140 children inside the mosque at the time of the shooting.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl called Abdullah’s actions heroic, saying they likely prevented a much larger tragedy.
The two other victims were identified as Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad.
Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing, and the shooting is currently being treated as a possible hate crime.
For more on the San Diego Islamic center shooting, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.