San Diego mosque shooters left writings expressing hate, including Islamophobia and antisemitism

A Nazi "SS" branded gas can is seen on the ground near the vehicle allegedly belonging to one of the teenage shooters who opened fire outside a mosque, killing three, in San Diego, California, May 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
A Nazi "SS" branded gas can is seen on the ground near the vehicle allegedly belonging to one of the teenage shooters who opened fire outside a mosque, killing three, in San Diego, California, May 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Two teenagers who shot and killed three people in an attack on a California mosque were radicalized online where they first met and shared white supremacist views, according to authorities and writings they authored.

The writings, obtained by The Associated Press, include hateful rhetoric toward Jewish people, Muslims and Islam, as well as the LGBTQ+ community, Black people, women, and both the political left and right.

Both express beliefs that white people are being eliminated, and one writes about mental health struggles and being rejected by women.

Investigators also found at least 30 guns, ammunition and a crossbow at two residences after Monday’s attack in San Diego and were trying to uncover whether the shooters had broader plans, says Mark Remily, the lead FBI agent in San Diego. The shooters, Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, killed themselves, according to police.

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