According to police, the two suspects are a boy and a young man, aged 16 and 18 respectively. According to Police Chief Scott Wahl, the mother of one of the teenagers had contacted them in the morning and described her son as suicidal.
But when police learned that he was wearing camouflage clothing and had last been seen with an acquaintance, they suspected something else might be going on. The suspects also allegedly brought several firearms.
"A suicidal person doesn't bring three guns. That information was crucial," Scott Wahl said during a press conference.
Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime, but Wahl said the mosque had not received any threats. He said the hateful messages found in connection with the incident were 'general.'
"There was absolutely hateful rhetoric involved," Wahl said.
The two teenagers were found dead by police near the mosque.
Police have not yet released the identities of the three people killed. However, one of them is believed to have worked as a security guard at the mosque. Wahl said the security guard is believed to have prevented more deaths.
"He undoubtedly saved lives today," Wahl said.
Both San Diego and other major cities, such as New York, have increased security around places of worship following the shooting.
