Two teenage suspects, aged 17 and 18, are dead following a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, authorities announced. Police are investigating the incident as a hate crime, citing "hate rhetoric" and anti-Islamic writings found in the suspects' vehicle.

Investigators have identified the two teenagers as Cain Clark and Caleb Vazquez. The shooting occurred shortly before noon on Monday, resulting in the deaths of three men, including a security guard. The suspects are believed to have died from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stated during a press briefing that "hate rhetoric" was involved in the incident. Sources close to the investigation told ABC News that anti-Islamic writings were discovered in the vehicle associated with the two teens. The motive is still under investigation, but the presence of these materials has led authorities to consider it a hate crime.

Approximately two hours before the mosque shooting, San Diego police had received a call regarding one of the suspects as a runaway juvenile. The teen's mother reported that several of her weapons and her vehicle were missing, and she had found a note, the contents of which were not disclosed by the police chief. She also informed officers that her son was with another individual, and both were dressed in camouflage.

Officers were attempting to locate the vehicle and had dispatched police to a mall and a school connected to one of the teens when the shooting at the mosque was reported. The Islamic Center of San Diego is described as the largest mosque in San Diego County.

Taha Hassan, Imam and Director of the Islamic Center of San Diego, expressed the unprecedented nature of the tragedy for the center. He conveyed prayers and solidarity with affected families and other places of worship in the city. Hassan emphasized that the center is a place for prayer, celebration, and learning, open to people of all backgrounds, and condemned the existence of religious intolerance and hate.

Tazheen Nizam, executive director of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, issued a statement strongly condemning the "horrifying act of violence" and extending thoughts to those impacted by the attack. The organization stressed that no one should face such violence at a place of worship.

The incident has raised concerns about religious extremism and hate crimes. Authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses to fully understand the sequence of events and the motivations behind the attack. The community is grappling with the aftermath, seeking answers and reassurance following the violence.