San Diego Islamic Center Shooting: Three Men Reportedly Killed in Attack

The San Diego community continues to remember three men who were killed during a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the Clairemont neighborhood on May 18, 2026.

According to the San Diego Police Department, officers responded to reports of an active shooter shortly before noon. They found three adult men dead outside the center. The victims were later identified as Amin Abdullah, a 51-year-old security guard, Mansour Kaziha, 78, and Nadir Awad, 57.

Investigators said Abdullah confronted the attackers and initiated lockdown procedures to protect people inside the facility. His actions helped limit the attackers’ access to the building, where children were present at the time.

Police identified the two teenage attackers as Caleb Liam Vazquez, 18, and Cain Lee Clark, 17. Both were found dead in a vehicle a short distance from the center. Authorities investigated the incident as a hate crime, with the FBI assisting in the investigation.

On August 31, 2026, authorities announced an arrest in North Carolina connected to the case. According to Reuters, a 17-year-old girl, Sarah Lindsey Santiago, was indicted over allegations involving the planned livestreaming and distribution of material related to the attack. The allegations remain part of the legal proceedings.

The incident deeply affected the Islamic Center’s congregation and the wider San Diego community. The victims are remembered for their connection to the center and their actions during the attack.