Two teens identified in San Diego mosque shooting that left 3 dead

Two teenage gunmen dressed in camouflage opened fire Monday morning at the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three men before both suspects died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds, authorities said.

The attack is being investigated as a hate crime after anti-Islamic writings were found in the suspects' vehicle, and has prompted the Los Angeles Police Department and other major U.S. departments to increase patrols at mosques and houses of worship across Southern California and beyond.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl identified the suspects as Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, according to ABC7. Both arrived at the Islamic center dressed in camouflage and armed with multiple weapons before opening fire on those inside.

Three men were killed in the attack. Among the dead was Amin Abdullah, a mosque security guard and father of eight. A friend described Abdullah's presence at the center to ABC7: "This guy, like, it didn't matter who walked up, who came, any random person could just walk up. He would greet them, make sure they're OK."

Wahl credited Abdullah with limiting the death toll, saying the security guard "played a pivotal role in keeping the attack from being much worse," according to ABC7.

Using license plate readers, police tracked the suspects' vehicle around San Diego after the shooting and found Clark and Vazquez dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside their car, stopped near the center. Search warrants are being executed at homes affiliated with the suspects. Two hours before the attack, a parent of one of the teens reported to police that the minor had left home with several weapons while displaying suicidal behavior and was accompanied by another person, both dressed in camouflage, according to ABC7.

Law enforcement agencies across the country raised their alert levels in response to the attack. "Out of an abundance of caution, we are providing extra patrols at mosques, Islamic centers, and all houses of worship across the City to ensure our communities are safe and feel supported," the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement. The New York Police Department and Chicago Police Department announced similar measures, according to ABC7.

The FBI is assisting San Diego authorities as the investigation continues, according to ABC7. Search warrants are being executed at residences linked to both suspects as police work to establish a complete timeline leading up to the attack.