Philly police increase mosque patrols after deadly San Diego shooting; Gov. Shapiro responds

PHILADELPHIA - Five people, including two teenage suspects, were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, according to authorities. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the case is being investigated as a hate crime, though no further details were provided.

What we know:

The FBI’s San Diego field office said the suspects were juveniles. 

Wahl later identified the suspects as ages 17 and 19 and said both died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Three adults, including a security guard, were killed in the attack at the center, Wahl said during a news conference at a neighborhood park across from the scene.

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3 victims killed, 2 teen suspects dead in San Diego Islamic center shooting

Two teenage suspects are dead, and three adults were killed following a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, authorities said.

Police received reports around 11:43 a.m. of shots fired at the mosque in the 7000 block of Eckstrom Avenue, located in the Clairemont neighborhood about 9 miles north of downtown San Diego. At 1:06 p.m., the San Diego Police Department posted on social media that the "threat at the Islamic center has been neutralized."

Wahl said the case is currently being investigated as a hate crime, but did not provide further details.

Authorities have not released the names of the victims or suspects.

Local response and security measures in Philadelphia

Though there is no known connection between the San Diego shooting and Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) has increased patrols around local mosques and will continue to monitor for any potential threats or concerns.

"We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of all houses of worship and the communities they serve," said the PPD.

PA Gov. Josh Shapiro tweeted, "I am horrified by the attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego — another senseless act of violence against our Muslim neighbors who were simply gathered to practice their faith." Shapiro continued, "Violence of any kind in a house of worship has no place in this country. All of us have a responsibility to unequivocally condemn this type of horror and take steps in our own communities to show that we are stronger than hate. Lori and I are praying for the victims, their families, the entire San Diego Muslim community, and our Muslim neighbors here in Pennsylvania."

Local perspective:

Leaders of the Muslim community in Philadelphia say mosques are increasing security precautions and applying for state security grants. 

"Our local mosques we've already communicated are increasing their security precautions and they have already been applying to security grants from the state," said Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of the Philadelphia chapter of CAIR. 

Fatimaah Minor, who was headed to her local mosque in West Philadelphia to pray this evening, said, "That's really hard to hear that." 

Minor said learning about the shooting in San Diego was upsetting. 

Tekelioglu said, "All of our community members they are in shock and in grief." He added, "Seeing that the mosque students within the systemic school go through this trauma and fear is definitely shocking." 

Minor said, "No matter how difficult that your times become you're still supposed to hold on to Allah." Tekelioglu said the Muslim community is keeping members of the Islamic Center of San Diego in their prayers. 

"There are community members that are taking the trip to make their hajj the pilgrimage, so next week is the second largest holiday of the year for Muslims," said Tekelioglu. 

The FBI is reportedly treating the shooting as a hate crime. Tekelioglu said, "It's definitely true that this incident comes on the heels of increasing anti-Muslim hate." 

The shooting in San Diego comes during Dhul Hijjah, described as the most holy 10 days of the year for Muslims, and at the start of the pilgrimage season. Minor expressed sadness that the gunmen, who authorities say took their own lives after the deadly shooting of three people, are teenagers. "And they're young people too? For them to just give up like that, that's hurtful," said Minor.

What we don't know:

Authorities have not released the names of the victims or suspects, and no further details have been provided about the investigation into the motive or circumstances of the attack.