Authorities in San Diego have revealed that the two teenage suspects believed to be responsible for Monday's deadly shooting at a mosque were found with a petrol canister emblazoned with the Nazi SS logo and a vehicle covered in hate-filled scrawlings.
Details of the Incident
The suspects, identified as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vasquez, were discovered dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a car several blocks from the Islamic Center of San Diego. The attack occurred around 11:40 a.m. local time, when the pair allegedly opened fire on worshippers outside the mosque, killing three people.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed that investigators found a red petrol canister marked with the insignia of the SS, the Nazi paramilitary organization, along with anti-Islamic graffiti and weapons engraved with hate speech. However, Wahl declined to elaborate on the specific motives, stating only that there was "generalized hate rhetoric and hate speech" involved.
Heroic Security Guard
Among the victims was a security guard, identified locally as Amin Abdullah, a father of eight. Police said Abdullah "played a pivotal role" in preventing the attack from being "much worse." Chief Wahl described his actions as "heroic," adding, "Undoubtedly he saved lives today."
Investigation Ongoing
Police had been searching for the suspects after a mother reported her son had left home with her car and several guns. The shooting began as officers were already on the lookout. Investigators have since visited a local high school attended by one of the teens and a shopping mall where the vehicle was tracked. No further details about the other victims have been released.
