Source: Radio New Zealand (world)
By Jana Winter and Helen Coster, Reuters A red gas canister with a Nazi symbol emblazoned on it that appears to have been removed from the car.
Photo: Gregory Bull/AP via CNN Newsource “Anti-Islamic writings” were found in a vehicle connected to the two teenage suspects in the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that killed three people, according to a Department of Justice official with knowledge of the investigation.
The alleged gunmen have been identified as Caleb Vasquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17, the official told Reuters. They were found dead in their car after Monday’s shooting, apparently from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said on Monday.
Their names and the contents of the writings were previously reported by local media. The pair had referred to themselves as “Sons of Tarrant”, the Associated Press reported – an apparent reference to the white supremacist who attacked New Zealand mosques in 2019, killing 51 people.
Police said on Monday that the attack was being investigated as a hate crime but declined to offer further details about a possible motive. Clark’s mother is cooperating with authorities, the DOJ official added.
Officers sprang into action on Monday after a call from one of the boy’s mothers, who described her son as suicidal and said he had run off with three of her guns and her vehicle, according to police.
Police initially raced to a local shopping mall and the boy’s school before calls came in about the shooting at the mosque. Police tape blocks off the Islamic Center of San Diego. Photo: Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images via CNN Newsource The Islamic Center is the largest mosque in San Diego County and houses the Bright Horizon Academy.
All students were safe and accounted for after Monday’s attack.
A fundraising effort organized by CAIR San Diego with the Islamic Center of San Diego has raised over $1.7 million for the family of slain security guard Amin Abdullah, who authorities have credited with preventing further bloodshed.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria told CNN on Tuesday that security would be beefed up across the city. “There’s always a concern about other sick and twisted individuals who will take inspiration from this tragedy and try and replicate,” he said. “No expense will be spared in protecting the people of this city.” – Reuters, with additional reporting by AP Copyright © 2026, Radio New Zealand • Three dead in shooting near Islamic Center of San Diego 19 May 2026 The two suspects were identified only as two teenagers.
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