A horrifying mosque attack in San Diego has taken an even darker turn after police reportedly uncovered a hate-filled suicide note left behind by one of the teenage gunmen.
Authorities say 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez stormed the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday morning, opening fire in a shocking attack that killed three people and left a terrified community reeling.
The two suspects were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside a stolen BMW X1, according to police.
Now, investigators say Clark left behind disturbing writings about “racial pride,” raising fears that the bloodshed was fueled by hate.
The nightmare unfolded around 11:40 a.m. after Clark and Vazquez allegedly stole guns and a car from Clark’s mother’s home, located roughly two miles from the mosque.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators are treating the attack as a possible hate crime.
“We are considering this a hate crime until it’s not,” Wahl told reporters.
Police said a search of Clark’s home uncovered a suicide note containing hateful rhetoric. Authorities also found evidence suggesting the suspects had been involved in “generalized hate rhetoric,” though police said they had not yet uncovered a specific threat against the Islamic center before the attack.
“It was just general hate kind of speech that I think covered a wide gamut,” Wahl said.
Adding to the chilling scene, the BMW where the two teens died was reportedly photographed with a gas can bearing a Nazi SS sticker.
Before the attack, Clark’s mother reportedly contacted police to warn them that her son had stolen her car and may have taken her weapons.
She told authorities that Clark and another teen were dressed in camouflage and described her son as “suicidal.”
That warning sparked a frantic search for the two teens.
Police used automated license plate reader technology to track the stolen vehicle to the Fashion Valley area. Around the same time, a 911 call came in reporting a shooter at the Islamic center.
The attack sent panic through the mosque and its school. Children who had been playing outside were rushed inside as gunfire erupted.
Aerial footage later showed young students holding hands as they were escorted out of the parking lot by police. No students were injured.
One of the victims has been identified by a family friend as Amin Abdullah, a security guard credited with helping prevent an even greater tragedy.
Witnesses said Abdullah was shot while trying to protect people at the mosque as children were being moved to safety.
Chief Wahl praised Abdullah’s actions, saying he “played a pivotal role” in stopping the attack from becoming even more deadly.
“It’s fair to say his actions were heroic,” Wahl said. “Undoubtedly, he saved lives today.”
The Islamic Center of San Diego also honored Abdullah in a statement, calling him “a courageous man who put himself on the line for the safety of others.”
The center said he continued protecting the community even in his final moments.
Clark had once been known as a star wrestler at Madison High School, but officials said he later began taking classes entirely online after becoming consumed by hate speech.
He was expected to graduate from virtual high school this semester.
While police have released some information about Clark, less is known about Vazquez.
Investigators are still working to determine the full motive behind the attack and how long the teens may have been planning it.
The Islamic Center of San Diego, the county’s largest mosque, has been closed until further notice.
The center typically holds five daily prayers and serves as a major gathering place for the local Muslim community.
In a message posted online, the mosque said its focus remains on honoring the victims.
“These were men who put themselves on the line for our masjid and our community,” the center wrote, using the Arabic word for mosque. “Men of courage, sacrifice, and faith. Their absence leaves a void that can never truly be filled.”
Authorities have not yet released the names of all three victims.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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