Three people were killed in a shooting at a mosque complex in southern California on Monday, while two suspected teenage gunmen were later found dead in a vehicle from what authorities believe were self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Police said emergency responders arrived at the scene outside the Islamic Center of San Diego, where they discovered three victims already dead. The attackers, aged 18 and 17, were later located dead inside a car parked a short distance away.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators are treating the incident as a possible hate crime, citing the presence of “hate rhetoric” linked to the attack.

“We are actively investigating this as a hate crime,” Wahl told reporters. “There was definitely hate rhetoric that was involved.”

The Islamic Center of San Diego, which describes itself as the largest mosque in the county, was placed on lockdown shortly after reports of an active shooter. Police said officers arrived within minutes of the emergency call and immediately found the victims outside the building.

Authorities later conducted a tactical sweep of the mosque and an adjacent school after reports of additional gunfire in the area. Police also confirmed that a landscaper nearby was targeted but not injured.

A vehicle believed to have been used by the suspects was later discovered a few blocks away, with both individuals found dead inside. Police said there is no evidence that officers fired any shots during the incident.

“The suspects at this point appear to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds,” Chief Wahl said.

Investigators also revealed that the mother of one of the suspects had contacted police hours before the attack, reporting that her son was suicidal and that firearms and a vehicle were missing.

Among the victims was a security guard at the mosque, whom officials credited with helping to prevent an even deadlier attack.

“His actions were heroic and he undoubtedly saved lives today,” Wahl said, while noting that the identities of the other two victims had not yet been released.

The imam of the mosque, Taha Hassane, confirmed that all staff, teachers and children inside the facility’s school were safe.

“We have never experienced tragedy like this before,” he said. “It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship.”

The attack has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders. President Donald Trump described the incident as a “terrible situation,” while New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani called it “an apparent act of anti-Muslim violence,” warning that Islamophobia poses a growing threat to Muslim communities in the United States.

California Governor Gavin Newsom also condemned the shooting, saying places of worship should be safe for all communities.

“Hate has no place in California,” Newsom said, adding that authorities would not tolerate acts of terror or intimidation against religious groups.