US authorities have identified Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, as the terrorists behind the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. The pair opened fire at the mosque killing 3 worshipers, before being found dead in a nearby vehicle.
Investigators believe Clark shot Vazquez before taking his own life following the attack. Officials are also examining online videos and extremist writings linked to the two. The suspects appeared heavily influenced by the 2019 Christchurch mosque terrorist in New Zealand, who killed 51 worshippers.
Authorities said the pair were active in extremist online spaces that glorified previous mass killings and promoted white supremacist ideology. The FBI is investigating possible links to accelerationist extremist movements and hate-driven propaganda discovered during the inquiry.
Security experts also warned that rising anti-Islamic rhetoric online and in political discourse is contributing to the spread of extremist hatred against Muslims. Analysts said hostile narratives targeting Muslims can help fuel radicalisation, particularly inside online communities where violence and copycat attacks are openly glorified.
