Teens suspected in mosque shooting met online, where they were radicalized, FBI says

Key Points:

• Two teens, Cain Lee Clark (17) and Caleb Liam Vazquez (18), who killed three people at San Diego’s largest mosque before killing themselves, were believed to have been radicalized online and met in person prior to the attack, which is being investigated as a hate crime.
• The shooters targeted a wide range of races and religions, according to FBI Special Agent Mark Remily, and were armed with numerous firearms and tactical gear seized from their homes; a manifesto and writings outlining extremist ideologies were found in their vehicle.
• A security guard at the mosque engaged the attackers in a gun battle, delaying them and preventing access to areas where about 140 children were present; the guard and two mosque members, Mansour Kaziha, Nader Awad, and Amin Abdullah, were fatally shot and are being praised for their heroism.
• The attack has deeply affected the local Muslim community, with officials noting prior threats to the mosque and school, and prompting calls for unity and support from city leaders and interfaith groups.
• A memorial has been established at the mosque, and an interfaith candlelight vigil is planned to honor the victims and promote peace within the community.