A look at the recent mosque attack in San Diego

Two young men in San Diego recently attacked a mosque, killing three people before turning their guns on themselves. Their shared online hate for religion likely fueled the attack, though investigators haven’t pinned down a single motive yet. The suspects met online first, then met in person, raising questions about how radicalization spreads in digital spaces. One was just 17, the other 18, both still in their teens when they carried out the violence. Police found over 30 guns and a crossbow during searches at three homes. Most of those weapons belonged to the parents of one of the suspects. The attack happened fast—both gunmen moved through the mosque with weapons drawn before fleeing in a car. Security footage shows the younger suspect shooting his partner before turning the gun on himself.The three victims who died were trying to protect others. They drew the gunmen away from the mosque, giving people inside time to escape. A security guard also played a key role—he called for a lockdown at a nearby school before confronting the attackers. His actions delayed them long enough for more people to get to safety, but he was killed in the process. Two others, a church elder and a neighbor, also tried to stop the violence. They lured the suspects outside, where the attackers ended up cornering them. Authorities say without these brave responses, the attack could have been far deadlier. Investigators still don’t know exactly why the attack happened or what pushed these two young men to act. They’re digging through electronics and reviewing evidence, but the full picture isn’t clear yet.