Three adults were killed in the attack, including a hero dad of eight who ”ran toward gunfire,” which has left the US in mourning.

The two teenage gunmen behind a deadly shooting rampage outside a San Diego mosque have been identified as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Velasquez, a law enforcement source has confirmed.

Three adults were killed in the attack on the Islamic Centre of San Diego, including a security guard and father of eight, Amin Abdullah, who has been widely praised for his heroic actions during the rampage.

The two suspects were later found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside a BMW, a short distance from the centre.

Cain Clark, 17, has been identified as one of the alleged gunmen in Monday’s shooting at a San Diego mosque. Picture: Facebook

Clark attended Madison High School and was on the school’s wrestling team. Picture: Facebook
Clark attended Madison High School, where he was a standout wrestler. His grandfather, David Clark, 78, said the family was devastated.

“We’re very sorry for what happened. We know as much as you do. It’s a shock,” he said.

At least one of the suspects took weapons from a parent’s home before the attack. Anti-Islamic writings were found in the suspects’ vehicle, and hate speech was inscribed on the firearms used in the shooting. One of the suspects also left a suicide note referencing racial pride, according to the law enforcement source.

Police said that at around 9.42am local time, they received a call from a concerned mother reporting a runaway juvenile. After speaking with her, officers began to elevate the assessed threat level. The woman told police she believed her son was suicidal, that several of her firearms were missing, and that her vehicle — a white BMW — had also been taken. She added that her son was accompanied by another person and that both were dressed in camouflage.

Amin Abdullah, the security guard killed in Islamic Center shooting in San Diego. Picture: Facebook/AminAbdullah
Officers swarmed the Islamic Centre within four minutes of the first emergency calls, launching what police described as a fast-moving and dynamic response. Between 50 and 100 officers entered the complex, searching classrooms, prayer areas, and surrounding buildings.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the actions of both officers and the security guard had been extraordinary.

“We do believe the security guard was able to help at least minimise the situation to the front area of the mosque,” Chief Wahl said.

“His actions were heroic — he saved lives today.”

“The heroic actions of the officers and deputies are beyond belief. To run toward gunfire without asking questions is remarkable.”

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl speaking at a press conference. Picture: koco5news
Community members flooded Abdullah’s social media pages with tributes.

“A true hero who gave his life to protect others,” one person wrote. “The nicest man you’ll ever meet,” said another.

“May Allah bless you.”

While police have not independently confirmed Abdullah was a victim, authorities said he “played a pivotal role in assisting — this could have been worse.”

Centre Imam Taha Hassane addressed the community in a video circulated among California’s Muslim community following the attack.

Armed officers respond to the shooting. Picture: Fox 5 San Diego
“We are safe, the entire school is safe. All the kids, all the staff, and the teachers are safe and out of the Islamic Centre,” he said.

Authorities confirmed five people died in total — the three adults associated with the Islamic Centre, and the two teenage suspects, who died from self-inflicted wounds.

“No community should ever have to go through this,” Chief Wahl said.

Investigators have not yet released an official motive, though the hate speech found on the weapons and the contents of the suicide note are central to the ongoing investigation.