Islamic Center of San Diego shooting — FBI opens federal hate crime investigation under 18 U.S.C. § 249

On May 18, 2026, Cain Clark (17) and Caleb Vazquez (18), both from San Diego, drove to the Islamic Center of San Diego (7050 Eckstrom Ave, Clairemont) — the largest mosque in San Diego County — and shot and killed three people: a mosque security guard and two Islamic school staff members. Both suspects died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a vehicle parked near the center. Investigators found anti-Islamic writing on at least one firearm and inside the vehicle, and recovered a suicide note containing racial pride language. FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily confirmed the FBI is leading the investigation as a federal hate crime under 18 U.S.C. § 249, the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. SDPD Chief Scott Wahl briefed President Trump and Governor Newsom. Because both suspects are deceased, federal hate crime charges cannot be filed against them personally — repeating the structural limitation exposed by the Oak Creek shooting in 2012.