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dpatopbilder - Police stand at the scene after shots were fired outside the Islamic Center of San Diego. Photo: Gregory Bull/AP/dpa
Keystone
After the deadly attack on an Islamic center in San Diego, there are increasing indications of a possible hate motive on the part of the alleged perpetrators. According to US media reports, the police are now officially investigating the crime as a hate crime.
According to the investigators, hate messages were discovered on one of the weapons used. Officers also found anti-Islamic writings in the vehicle of the alleged perpetrators. A farewell letter from one of the suspects also referred to "racial pride", several US media outlets reported, citing investigators.
Three people were killed in the attack on Monday, one of them a security guard. The two suspected shooters, a 17-year-old and an 18-year-old, were later also found dead in a car. Investigators are currently assuming suicide.
According to media reports, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said that there had been no specific threat against the Islamic center. Rather, the statements found included a broader spectrum of hate messages.
According to the police, the mother of one of the suspects had alerted the authorities around two hours before the attack. Her son had disappeared, as had several weapons and a family car. She had also stated that the teenager was armed, suicidal and was traveling with a friend in camouflage clothing. The police then sent officers to possible targets such as schools and shopping centers as a precaution.
The investigation is being conducted jointly with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The mayor of San Diego, Todd Gloria, had declared: "Islamophobia has no place in San Diego." California Governor Gavin Newsom had also strongly condemned the act.
19.05.2026, 18:59
