SAN DIEGO — Two teenagers who fatally shot three people at an Islamic Center in San Diego were radicalized online through white supremacist ideology before the attack, according to federal authorities. Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, killed themselves after the shooting, the FBI reported Tuesday.
FBI agent Mark Remily stated the suspects' writings—obtained by the Associated Press—revealed extreme hatred toward Jewish people, Muslims, LGBTQ+ individuals, Black communities, women, and both political factions. The documents contained symbols associated with white supremacist and Nazi movements and referenced the Christchurch mosque shooter. Clark specifically called for Muslims to be 'exterminated,' while both described white people as being 'eliminated' in a racial hierarchy.
Authorities recovered 30+ guns, ammunition, and a crossbow from the shooters' residences during the investigation. The attack occurred at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in the region and home to a school serving children ages 5 and up. Amin Abdullah, a security guard at the center, engaged the shooters during the attack, according to police. He wounded them before they retreated outside, buying critical time for the schoolchildren to reach safety. The attackers then fatally shot Mansour Kaziha, a handyman and community caretaker, and Nadir Awad, who had also been working to protect the building.
The mosque's imam, Taha Hassane, described Abdullah as 'everything' to the center: 'He was the handyman. He was the cook. He was the caretaker.' Hassane emphasized the community's resilience during a vigil for the victims, stating, 'We are here to celebrate the patience, the resilience of the Muslim community.' The imam noted the center had previously received hate mail and witnessed harassment but had 'never expected such horrible crime.'
The attack occurred amid increased security at houses of worship, with Muslim and Jewish communities reporting rising threats since the Middle East war began. Neighborhood residents described the victims as community pillars, with one neighbor recalling, 'He’s helped me bring in my groceries.' School officials confirmed Clark had been attending online classes since 2021 but had no disciplinary record.
Federal investigators confirmed the shooters met online, sharing radicalized content before moving to San Diego. The FBI is examining whether broader plans existed beyond the mosque incident. The attack echoes a pattern of violence targeting religious sites, with the imam noting the mosque's location in a neighborhood with Middle Eastern markets and restaurants.
While the exact motivations remain under investigation, the incident highlights tensions in the United States following geopolitical conflicts. Community leaders called for unity, stating the mosque had always welcomed people of all backgrounds, including non-Muslims. 'Every person at that masjid will smile at you,' said one longtime attendee, emphasizing the community's commitment to inclusivity despite persistent threats.}
FBI agent Mark Remily stated the suspects' writings—obtained by the Associated Press—revealed extreme hatred toward Jewish people, Muslims, LGBTQ+ individuals, Black communities, women, and both political factions. The documents contained symbols associated with white supremacist and Nazi movements and referenced the Christchurch mosque shooter. Clark specifically called for Muslims to be 'exterminated,' while both described white people as being 'eliminated' in a racial hierarchy.
Authorities recovered 30+ guns, ammunition, and a crossbow from the shooters' residences during the investigation. The attack occurred at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in the region and home to a school serving children ages 5 and up. Amin Abdullah, a security guard at the center, engaged the shooters during the attack, according to police. He wounded them before they retreated outside, buying critical time for the schoolchildren to reach safety. The attackers then fatally shot Mansour Kaziha, a handyman and community caretaker, and Nadir Awad, who had also been working to protect the building.
The mosque's imam, Taha Hassane, described Abdullah as 'everything' to the center: 'He was the handyman. He was the cook. He was the caretaker.' Hassane emphasized the community's resilience during a vigil for the victims, stating, 'We are here to celebrate the patience, the resilience of the Muslim community.' The imam noted the center had previously received hate mail and witnessed harassment but had 'never expected such horrible crime.'
The attack occurred amid increased security at houses of worship, with Muslim and Jewish communities reporting rising threats since the Middle East war began. Neighborhood residents described the victims as community pillars, with one neighbor recalling, 'He’s helped me bring in my groceries.' School officials confirmed Clark had been attending online classes since 2021 but had no disciplinary record.
Federal investigators confirmed the shooters met online, sharing radicalized content before moving to San Diego. The FBI is examining whether broader plans existed beyond the mosque incident. The attack echoes a pattern of violence targeting religious sites, with the imam noting the mosque's location in a neighborhood with Middle Eastern markets and restaurants.
While the exact motivations remain under investigation, the incident highlights tensions in the United States following geopolitical conflicts. Community leaders called for unity, stating the mosque had always welcomed people of all backgrounds, including non-Muslims. 'Every person at that masjid will smile at you,' said one longtime attendee, emphasizing the community's commitment to inclusivity despite persistent threats.}
