Teenage gunmen open fire on Islamic Center of San Diego, police say

Geoff Bennett:

As we come on the air tonight, we're following a developing story out of San Diego, an attack at an Islamic center.

Amna Nawaz:

Police officials say three adult males were killed, including a security guard. They also say the two teenage suspects, believed to be 17 and 19 years old, were later found dead, apparently from self-inflicted gunshots.

There was a massive police response this afternoon at the center located about nine miles north of downtown San Diego. The site also houses a school. And, as the situation unfolded, children could be seen being escorted to safety.

At a press conference this afternoon, San Diego's police chief thanked law enforcement for their efforts, especially when it came to those kids.

Scott Wahl, San Diego, California, Police Chief:

I cannot express the gratitude, the willingness to step into harm's way, and I tell you what got me, watching the kids come running out just thankful to be alive.

Geoff Bennett:

At that same press conference, the center's imam called this a time of sorrow and a time of sadness.

Imam Taha Hassane:

We have never experienced a tragedy like this before. It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship. Our Islamic Center is a place of worship. People come to the Islamic Center to pray, to celebrate, to learn, not only Muslims, but we have people from all walks of life.

Geoff Bennett:

Officials say they're treating the shooting as a hate crime until proven otherwise.

Amna Nawaz:

Today's shooting comes at a time of heightened concerns across a number of religious institutions. In March, a man attacked a synagogue outside Detroit with a truck before dying in a confrontation with security guards.