‘Anti-Islamic writings’ found in car of California mosque shooting suspects, official says

“Anti-Islamic writings” were found in a vehicle connected to the two teenage suspects in yesterday’s shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that killed three people, according to a Department of Justice official with knowledge of the investigation.

The alleged gunmen have been identified as Caleb Vasquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17, the official tells Reuters. They were found dead in their car after the shooting, apparently from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, police said yesterday.

Police said yesterday that the attack was being investigated as a hate crime but declined to offer further details about a possible motive.

Clark’s mother is cooperating with authorities, the DOJ official added.

The Islamic Center is the largest mosque in San Diego County and houses the Bright Horizon Academy. All students were safe and accounted for after Monday’s attack.

A fundraising effort organized by CAIR San Diego with the Islamic Center of San Diego has raised over $1.7 million for the family of slain security guard Amin Abdullah, who authorities have credited with preventing further bloodshed.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria tells CNN that security will be beefed up across the city.

“There’s always a concern about other sick and twisted individuals who will take inspiration from this tragedy and try and replicate,” he says. “No expense will be spared in protecting the people of this city.”