Authorities have identified the individuals responsible for the shooting that resulted in three deaths outside a mosque in San Diego as 17-year-old Kane Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Velasquez.
Reports indicate that at least one suspect removed a firearm from his parents’ residence and left behind a suicide note expressing sentiments related to racial pride.
According to Madison High School’s social media, Clark was a notable wrestler. His grandfather, David Clark, who is 78, expressed shock, stating, “We’re very sorry for what happened. We know as much as you do.”
Both suspects were discovered deceased from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a BMW located just a few blocks away from the Islamic Center of San Diego.
Investigators found anti-Muslim messages on the suspects’ vehicle, as well as “hate speech” inscribed on the gun used in the attack.
Police received a report about a boy who had run away from home at approximately 9:42 a.m. A concerned mother informed officers that she thought her son was at risk of suicide and that several of his weapons and his vehicle were unaccounted for.
She mentioned that her son was with friends and had been dressed in camouflage clothing.
While police have not confirmed the involvement of the missing person’s case in the shooting, there are similarities between the descriptions provided and the details reported.
The victims at the mosque included Amin Abdullah, a security guard and father of eight, who allegedly took measures to prevent further casualties, a grocery store owner, and another individual.
During a press conference on Monday afternoon, police revealed that the suspects had fled in a white BMW.
Imam Taha Hasan from the Islamic center reassured the community by stating in a video, “We are safe and the whole school is safe. All the children, staff, and teachers are safe and out of the Islamic center.”
Officials reported that responding officers arrived in under four minutes and executed a rapid and “dynamic” response to the incident.
As part of the response, between 50 and 100 police officers entered the Islamic center, examining classrooms, prayer spaces, and nearby buildings.
The investigation remains ongoing, and while a definitive motive has not yet been established, the assailants left behind anti-Muslim writings on their weapons, and one had a note advocating “racial pride.”
