United States federal authorities revealed new details about the shooting at a mosque in San Diego, California, where three members of the Islamic Center were murdered by two teenagers who, according to investigators, were radicalized on the Internet and maintained an ideology based on racial and religious hatred.
The FBI reported that during the raids related to the case, more than 30 firearms were located, including pistols, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, tactical equipment and a crossbow, in addition to writings described as a type of manifesto linked to the attack.
The victims were identified as Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awadas confirmed by the imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego, Taha Hassane.
Guardia prevented a major tragedy
Authorities said Amin Abdullah had worked as a security guard at the mosque for more than a decade and that his actions prevented the attack from reaching areas where around 140 children were located.
“The security guard immediately realized the threat and began shooting at the suspects,” said San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl.
According to researchAbdullah activated the emergency closure protocol and confronted the attackers with gunfire, which allowed them to delay their advance into the religious complex.
Authorities indicated that the other two victims tried to distract the attackers by running to the parking lot, where they were later killed.
FBI investigates radicalization on the internet
Mark Remily, special agent of the FBI in San Diego, reported that the suspects, ages 17 and 18, met online and shared hate speech directed against different religions and racial groups.
The official noted that the alleged manifesto recovered during the investigation contained references to multiple extremist ideologies and evidence of “generalized hate rhetoric.”
“The attackers appear to have been radicalized through the Internet,” Remily said during a press conference.
Investigators are also analyzing seized electronic devices and equipment to determine if the suspects were planning other attacks.
Chronology of the attack
Hours before the shooting, the mother of one of the teenagers alerted the San Diego Police about the behavior of her son, whom she described as suicidal and reported missing.
According to authorities, the woman reported that several weapons and the family vehicle had disappeared, so an urgent search was activated.
Shortly after, at 11:43 a.m. on Monday, the armed attack was reported at the Islamic Center of San Diego, a mosque that also houses a school.
The two suspects were later found inside a vehicle near the scene with self-inflicted gunshot wounds, authorities said.
Hate crime concerns grow
The shooting occurred amid growing threats and attacks against Muslim and Jewish communities in the United States since the start of the conflict in the Middle East.
American Muslim organizations noted that anti-Muslim rhetoric has increased in the country in recent months.
The Islamic Center of San Diego, considered the largest mosque in the county, is also home to the Al Rashid School, dedicated to teaching the Arabic language and Islamic studies. With information from N+ Univision.
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