Crime
Security guard killed in Islamic Center of San Diego shooting identified as Amin Abdullah
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Authorities have identified one of the victims killed in Monday’s deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego as Amin Abdullah, a security guard at the mosque, as investigators continue examining the attack as a possible hate crime.
According to the San Diego Police Department, the shooting unfolded around noon on May 18 at the Islamic Center of San Diego, located at 7050 Eckstrom Avenue near Balboa Avenue and Interstate 805.
Police said two armed suspects opened fire at the mosque, killing three adult male victims before later dying from self-inflicted gunshot wounds several blocks away.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed during a press conference that officers received reports of an active shooter at approximately 11:45 a.m.
Officers arrived within minutes as emergency responders from agencies across the county rushed to the scene.
Authorities said the suspects also fired shots in a nearby neighborhood on the 7300 block of Salerno Street while fleeing the area.
A landscaper was reportedly targeted during the incident but was not struck by gunfire.
Investigators later located both suspects deceased from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds near the 2100 block of Hatton Street.
Police believe the suspects were 17 and 19 years old.
Officials stated that the shooting is being investigated as a hate crime.
The FBI has joined the investigation alongside San Diego Police.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily said federal investigators are “meticulously assessing the situation” and vowed authorities “will work tirelessly until we learn the truth.”
Police confirmed that no children were harmed during the shooting. The Islamic Center of San Diego stated on social media that all students and teachers on campus were safely evacuated following the attack.
“This is every community’s worst nightmare,” Chief Wahl said during the briefing. “There is no further threat. Both suspects in this case are deceased. All of the kids are safe.”
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also addressed the tragedy, expressing support for the city’s Muslim community and pledging resources to protect places of worship.
“No resource will be spared in making sure that our religious institutions are protected,” Gloria said.
Authorities established a reunification center for families at 4125 Hathaway Street as concerned parents gathered to reconnect with children evacuated from the campus.
Multiple roads surrounding the mosque remained closed for several hours as investigators processed the extensive crime scene. Officials also temporarily shut down Interstate 805 offramps at Balboa Avenue due to ongoing law enforcement activity.
The identities of the other victims have not yet been publicly released as authorities continue notifying family members.
The investigation into the deadly San Diego mosque shooting remains ongoing.
Crime
Albuquerque Mother Elaina Gomez-Villeda Charged With Murder After 10-Year-Old Son Fatally Shoots 16-Year-Old Keinerlein Rangel
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 40-year-old Albuquerque woman is facing multiple criminal charges after police say her 10-year-old son fatally shot a 16-year-old during a dispute between neighbors over loud music at an apartment complex.
The victim was identified by investigators as Keinerlein Rangel, 16. Rangel was initially reported to be 17 years old, but authorities later corrected the victim’s age to 16.
According to the Albuquerque Police Department, the incident happened Saturday during a confrontation between neighbors at an apartment complex.
Investigators say the dispute began over loud music and escalated into a physical altercation involving Elaina Gomez-Villeda, 40.
Police allege that during the confrontation, Gomez-Villeda instructed her 10-year-old son to retrieve her handgun.
The child allegedly obtained the firearm and fired one shot, striking Rangel.
The teenager suffered fatal injuries.
Following the shooting, Gomez-Villeda was arrested and is facing an open count of murder, conspiracy, child abuse, and making a firearm accessible to a minor, along with other alleged offenses.
Authorities say the 10-year-old child has not been charged as of the latest update. Because of his age, detectives are consulting with the District Attorney’s Office and state authorities to determine the appropriate next steps in the case.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation, including the events leading up to the shooting and the child’s involvement.