Three people, including a security guard, were killed at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday before the gunmen -- two teenagers ages 17 and 19 -- killed themselves.
Authorities said the attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
The situation started when the mother of one of the attackers called the police on Monday morning, saying she was worried that the boy was suicidal. About two hours later, police were alerted to an active shooter at the Islamic Center.
The center has a congregation of about 5,000 people and includes a school. There were children at the center, but none of them were hurt.
The Catholic bishop of San Diego, Bishop Michael Pham, released a statement expressing solidarity with the Muslim community and emphasizing that houses of worship should be places of peace.
He said:
“We stand united in solidarity and prayer with the Muslim community who was subjected to a senseless act of violence at the Islamic Center of San Diego which claimed the lives of five people including the suspects.
The Islamic Center has been a longtime partner in our collaborative work for justice, especially in accompanying immigrants. Houses of worship must always be sanctuaries of peace, safety, and prayer. An attack on one faith community is an attack on the sacred dignity of all human life.
On behalf of the entire Roman Catholic community of San Diego, we offer my deepest condolences, solidarity, and fervent prayers to the families of the victims and the entire Muslim community.”
