San Diego Shooting: Details Uncovered
Two teenagers carried out a deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, revealing dangerous ideologies. Their manifesto, obtained by CBS News, contained extremist hate speech targeting various groups.
Manifesto and Ideology
The document attributed to the attackers blamed Jews for global issues and included anti-Muslim, misogynistic, anti-Hispanic, anti-gay, and anti-trans rhetoric. Mark Remily, FBI special agent in San Diego, noted the indiscriminate nature of their hatred. The document began with antisemitic statements, repeating, “IT’S THE JEWS,” and advocated for a violent race war.
Attack Details
The teens livestreamed their attack, reminiscent of the 2019 Christchurch mosque shooting. The video depicted them wearing Nazi symbols. They marked “Race War” on a handgun used in the attack.
According to Oren Segal from the Anti-Defamation League, the attackers saw themselves as following in the footsteps of the Christchurch shooter. The manifesto included anti-Black, anti-Muslim, anti-Hispanic, anti-trans, and misogynistic sections. Both teens identified with the incel movement, linked to past mass shootings.
Influences and Background
The attackers were influenced by online hate content and were part of what the FBI calls “nihilistic violent extremism.” Their 75-page manifesto compiled writings circulating online, potentially created with AI.
CBS News has not confirmed the document’s authorship. The teens met online, discovering their proximity in San Diego before meeting face-to-face.
The Attack Sequence
A suicide note left by Cain Clark, 17, revealed his willingness to die for his cause. Clark was a high school wrestler. His accomplice, Caleb Vazquez, was 18.
Authorities suspect the teens were inspired by mass shooters, including the Christchurch attacker, and engaged with the “True Crime Community” online. This group glorifies mass shooters and promotes violence.
The attackers recorded their attack, sharing the video on a platform known for extreme violence content. This platform has been under FBI scrutiny due to rising youth engagement.
The Attack Unfolds
The attack left three people dead, including a heroic security guard who saved many lives. The video captured Clark shooting Vazquez before taking his own life. They stockpiled 30 guns and a crossbow, weapons sourced from Clark’s parents.
Initial Warnings
Around 9:40 a.m., Clark’s mother alerted 911, fearing her son was suicidal after discovering missing weapons and her vehicle gone. She noted he was wearing camouflage, triggering a local threat alert but without a specific target.
Two hours later, the teens attacked the mosque, first killing a security guard, then entering the facility with over 100 children inside. Guard Amin Abdullah had triggered a lockdown, moving students to safety.
As the teens spotted two men outside, they left the mosque, firing at them. They fled in a vehicle, shooting from it, before Clark killed Vazquez and himself a few blocks away.