Three adults, including a security guard, were found dead at the center, with the guard credited for preventing further casualties. “One of the deceased is a security guard that works there and I think played a pivotal role in assisting from this being much worse,” San Diego police chief Scott Wahl told reporters on Monday.
Two male teenagers, aged 17 and 19, believed to be the perpetrators, were found dead nearby from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. The shooting is being investigated as a potential hate crime, police said.
Police stated that all children attending classes at the center were safe.
The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in San Diego County and also operates a school.
