Hate crimes with a connection to religion have become a frequent phenomenon in recent times. On May 18, 2026, California faced a similar tragedy when a deadly shooting occurred at the Islamic Centre of San Diego (ICSD) in the Clairemont neighbourhood. It resulted in three deaths, including a security guard. The case involved two teenage suspects, and authorities reportedly identified both. Recent reports suggest that they are deceased, and their alleged motive behind the dreadful act has been uncovered. Here’s everything we know about the suspected killers, their motives and their cause of death.

Who were the suspects in the Islamic centre shooting case? How did they die?

The Islamic centre shooting case included two teenage suspects, identified by law enforcement as Cain Clark and Caleb Vazquez, according to New York Post. Cain Clark was a local student at James Madison High School in San Diego and a standout wrestler on the school’s wrestling team. Caleb Vazquez was Cain’s companion and his accomplice during the attack. Cain was 17, and Caleb was 18 at the time of their death. Both perpetrators were reportedly deceased by self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Talking about the incident, Cain Clark’s grandfather, David Clark, 78, said:

“We’re very sorry for what happened. We know as much as you do. It’s a shock.”

PC: madison.warhawk.wrestling/Facebook

All about the San Diego mosque shooting case

On the morning of May 18, 2026, at approximately 9:42 a.m., the mother of one of the suspects called San Diego police to report a runaway juvenile. She told them that her son was suicidal and likely with a friend. She described him as dressed in military-style clothes, and revealed he had stolen her car alongwith multiple firearms, including a 9mm handgun, a shotgun, and a Mini-14 rifle. Amid the police’s search for the guy, the news of the San Diego mosque shooting reached them. The attack on the Islamic Centre began around 12:00 p.m., and the police arrived within four minutes. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) condemned the attack, calling it a “horrifying act of violence.”

PC: madison.warhawk.wrestling/Facebook

Who are the victims of the mosque shooting case?

Three victims were reported to be deceased; however, authorities have not released their names. One of them was a security guard at the mosque, whom San Diego Police Chief, Scott Wahl described as “heroic” for his actions. The guard was believed to have saved lives and prevented some fatalities, without caring about his own safety. The other two victims are reported to be adults connected to the centre. An imam from the centre confirmed that all teachers, students, and other staff members on-site were safe, with police authorities playing a big role in protecting them.

PC: Denis Poroy for CA Post

Why did the two suspects open fire in the mosque?

The two teenage suspects opened fire outside the Islamic Centre of San Diego in a suspected hate crime driven by racial pride and anti-Islamic bias. While the San Diego Police Department and the FBI have not yet confirmed a precise motive for their act, key evidence found at their site of death hints at their probable intentions. The teenage suspects were found dead inside a vehicle alongwith a suicide note, a few blocks away from the mosque. According to NBC News, its contents included references to racial pride. There were also anti-Islamic writings on one of the weapons used in the shooting. While investigating the crime, San Diego Police Chief, Scott Wahl said:

“At this point, there was definitely hate rhetoric that was involved. I’ll leave it at that for now.”

PC: Reuters

We share our heartfelt condolences with the victims’ families as they deal with the tough time.