Three victims, two suspected gunmen dead in "extremely chaotic" San Diego mosque shooting

Catch up quick: Police began receiving calls regarding an active shooter there around 11:40 am PT.

• The center also operates as a school, and all the children there at the time are reported to be safe, according to police.

Police Chief Scott Wahl called the scene "extremely chaotic" during a press briefing Monday, and that responding officers found three deceased victims outside the center.

• One of those killed was a mosque security guard, he said.

At about the same time as police were arriving to the mosque, calls began coming in of gunfire a few blocks away, and that a landscaper was shot at but not struck, Wahl said.

• Officers were soon called to another nearby location to find the shooting suspects, ages 17 and 19, deceased in a vehicle from what appeared to be self-inflicted gunshots, he said.
• Officers conducted room-by-room clearance of the mosque, breaching doors in some instances, Wahl said.
• There were between 50 to 100 officers in the facility at one point, and Wahl praised the officers for their rapid response.

He said there will be "a tremendous amount of information and details to come," and is expected to hold another press briefing later today.

• The victims have not been identified, pending next-of-kin notification.
• "This is every community's worst nightmare," Wahl said.

Driving the news: Wahl said they are considering the incident a hate crime until an investigation can prove otherwise.

• "No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school," the Council on American-Islamic Relations wrote on X. "We are working to learn more about this incident and we encourage everyone to keep this community in your prayers."

Zoom in: The Islamic Center is the largest mosque in San Diego County, according to its website.

What they're saying: San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Gov. Gavin Newsom both posted on X that they've been briefed on the situation.

• "We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities," Newsom said.

Zoom out: Monday began one of the holiest periods in the Islamic year, Dhul Hijjah.

• Muslims observe the first 10 days of the lunar month as a second chance to have sins forgiven after Ramadan.
• Dhul Hijjah marks the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage season, culminating in Eid al-Adha.

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.