A shooting at a mosque complex in San Diego, California, which left three victims killed, has shocked the US Muslim community.
Dozens of patrol cars were lined up around the Islamic Centre, described on its website as the largest mosque in San Diego County, which lies in southern California.
US President Donald Trump was briefed on the attack and described it as a "terrible situation."
Here is what we know so far about the shooting:
Who are the suspects?
The San Diego Police Department (SDPD) said in a statement that five people in total are deceased, including three victims and two suspects.
The identities of the suspects were not immediately disclosed, but SDPD said the two male suspects are 17 and 19 years old.
The pair were later found dead, apparently from self-inflicted wounds, according to the police.
They "appear to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds," San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said.
CNN cited law enforcement officials as saying that one of the suspects took a firearm from their parents' home and left a suicide note that had writings of racial bias.
The New York Times reported that investigators found anti-Islamic writings in the suspects' car.
Police statements
Although SDPD confirmed there is no threat to the public after the shooting, they urged residents in a later update to avoid areas close to the shooting scene.
The closed roads include Balboa Ave, Charger Blvd, Eckstrom Ave and Ashford St.
FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement that "all resources will be made available assisting local partners and we will update the public as we're able."
The FBI also posted a statement seeking information on the shooting, urging individuals to come forward if they have information.
"The FBI is seeking Information on the May 18th, 2026th shooting that took place at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, 7000 Eckstrom Avenue, San Diego, California 92111, United States," the FBI said, posting a link where individuals can get in contact with them.
A scanner audio, reported by US media, captured the initial moments of the police response, with a voice saying "multiple victims."
Later, a voice says, "We need three ambulances up to the intersection of Balboa and Eckstrom Ave," the location of the mosque.
Wahl said authorities are considering this a hate crime "until it's not."
Mayor, Governor statements
After the shooting, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was aware of the situation and was continuing to receive updates.
"Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area," Gloria said in a statement on X.
He urged residents to avoid the area of the shooting and follow the authorities' instructions.
Later, he said there was no threat to the community and hailed the authorities for their quick response.
"@SanDiegoPD has confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the community. Thank you to @SanDiegoPD, @SDFD, and all of our law enforcement partners who responded quickly to protect lives and secure the area," he said on X.
He later provided an update, providing condolences to the victims against "Islamophobia."
California Governor Gavin Newsom also commented on the shooting, offering condolences to those impacted by the violent attack.
"To the San Diego Muslim community: we stand with you," Newsom said on X.
Islamic Centre of San Diego closed
Following the attack, the Islamic Centre of San Diego said in a statement that it will remain closed until further notice.
"At this time, law enforcement agencies have secured the area, and the immediate threat has been neutralised. We continue to work closely with the San Diego Police Department, FBI, and emergency responders as the investigation remains active," the centre said.
"We respectfully ask the community and media to avoid speculation while authorities complete their investigation. Official updates should be relied upon from verified law enforcement and ICSD communication channels."
The centre also said that additional updates will be provided, wishing recovery to those wounded and mercy to the ones who lost their lives.
The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), condemned the attack and hailed first responders for their efforts.
"We strongly condemn this horrifying act of violence at ICSD. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this attack. No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school. We are working to learn more about this incident and we encourage everyone to keep this community in your prayers," CAIR-SD Executive Director Tazheen Nizam said in a statement.
The centre's imam, Taha Hassane, issued a statement assuring the community that the school is safe, including the kids, staff, and teachers, but urged everyone to stay away from the centre.
"Alhamdulellah, we are safe. The entire school is safe, all the kids, all the staff, all the teachers," Hassane said in a statement.
"There is no threat at the moment, but we want everyone to stay away from the Islamic Center of San Diego. We are closed for the rest of the day. Stay safe."
