A frantic call from a mother reporting her missing teenage son, along with several guns and her car, set off a desperate search across San Diego on Monday morning. Police tracked leads across the city, but before officers could locate the teens, the pair carried out a deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three people, including a security guard whose actions authorities said likely saved lives. The two suspects, ages 17 and 18, later killed themselves.

The mosque, which also houses a school and community spaces, was filled with worshipers and children when gunfire erupted just before noon. Witnesses described scenes of panic as children were rushed indoors and heavily armed officers flooded the normally quiet neighborhood. The slain security guard was hailed as a hero for confronting the attackers.

Investigators later recovered anti-Islamic writings from the suspects' vehicle and one of the guns, pointing to hate-driven motives. The attack comes amid rising threats and violence against religious institutions across the United States, prompting renewed calls from community leaders and officials for greater tolerance and increased security at places of worship.