Authorities in San Diego are continuing to investigate a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that police are treating as a hate crime.
According to investigators, a 17-year-old homeschooled wrestler and an 18-year-old allegedly opened fire outside the mosque on Monday, killing three people before both suspects were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Law enforcement officials said investigators are examining hate-related material connected to the attack, including:
| Evidence Under Investigation | Details |
|---|---|
| Hate speech on weapon | Racist and hateful language reportedly written on one firearm |
| Suicide note | Included writings about racial pride |
| Social and personal connections | Investigators interviewing friends and family |
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is assisting local authorities in the investigation. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily said agents are gathering evidence and speaking with people connected to the suspects.
One suspect was identified as 17-year-old Cain Clark. Officials have not publicly identified the second suspect.
According to Scott Wahl, police first became aware of a possible threat about two hours before the shooting when Clark’s mother reported him missing. She also told officers several weapons were missing from the home.
Police said Clark’s mother warned that her son was suicidal and was travelling with another person. Both were reportedly dressed in camouflage clothing.
Dispatch audio reviewed by media outlets reportedly described the suspects as:
- Two white males
- Wearing camouflage
- Possibly armed with a handgun, shotgun, and rifle
When officers arrived at the mosque, they found three victims dead outside the building. Authorities have not yet publicly identified the victims.
Police said one of those killed was a security guard whose actions were described as “heroic” and credited with saving lives during the attack.
Officers later searched the mosque and an adjacent school during an active-shooter response before locating the suspects’ vehicle nearby. Both suspects were found dead inside the car.
Investigators are now carrying out search warrants and reviewing security camera footage to understand how the attack unfolded and whether warning signs were missed.
Chief Wahl called the incident “a city and community’s worst nightmare.”
Investigators said the writings connected to the suspects appeared to contain general hate-filled language, though no direct threat toward the mosque had been specifically mentioned beforehand.
Authorities are also learning more about Cain Clark’s background.
Clark had previously attended schools in the San Diego Unified School District before moving to online homeschooling in 2021. Officials said he later joined wrestling activities through his neighborhood school, Madison High School.
School officials said:
- Clark had no major disciplinary history
- He was on track to graduate
- He participated on the wrestling team between 2024 and 2025
Former teammates and relatives expressed shock after the attack.
Clark’s grandparents said they were “trying to process” the tragedy and expressed sorrow for the victims.
A former wrestling teammate described Clark as someone who appeared quiet and eager to fit in with others. The teammate said he had never seen Clark act violently or express hateful views.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue examining the suspects’ motives and possible warning signs before the shooting.
