California, May 19 (V7N) — At least five people, including two suspected attackers, were killed in a shooting at a mosque in the US state of California on Monday afternoon, according to local law enforcement officials.
Police said two teenage suspects entered the mosque around noon and opened fire indiscriminately during a gathering. Security personnel at the mosque attempted to stop the attackers, leading to a deadly confrontation.
Authorities confirmed that three Muslim worshippers, including a security guard, were killed in the attack.
The bodies of the two teenage suspects were later recovered from a nearby vehicle close to the Islamic center. Investigators initially believe the incident may have involved a suicide act following the shooting.
Police said the case is being treated as a possible hate crime. Investigators reported that one of the suspects had taken three firearms from his parents’ residence before carrying out the attack.
According to law enforcement officials, hate-related writings were discovered on one of the weapons recovered from the scene. Authorities also found a suicide note containing racist language and extremist views.
The incident has triggered grief and fear within the local Muslim community, while security agencies have launched a full-scale investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack.
US authorities have not yet officially released the identities of the victims or suspects.
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