We trust our schools and neighborhoods to be safe places for our kids to grow up. But sometimes, a quiet home hides a dark plan that ends in a community's worst nightmare.
WHAT HAPPENED
Cain Clark and Caleb Vazquez walked into the Islamic Center of San Diego and started shooting. Clark used guns he took from his own mother without her knowing. Three people died in the attack before Clark took his own life.
Police just found a note the teenager left behind. It explains that he did it because of his views on race and religion. He wrote about "racial pride" and said he meant to target the religious center.
Clark was only 17 years old. His friend, Caleb Vazquez, is 18. The shooting happened in broad daylight while people were at the center.
WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS
Cain Clark was 17 years old at the time of the attack.
- He used weapons stolen from his mother.
- Three people were killed at the Islamic Center.
- The note specifically named the mosque as a target.
- The writing focused on "racial pride" as a motive.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
How does a child living in a normal home become so full of hate? We need to ask if we are missing the signs of radicalization happening right under our noses. This story makes us wonder how much we truly know about what our children see online.
THE OTHER SIDE
Clark's grandparents say they are "shellshocked" and had no idea he felt this way. They issued a public apology to the families of the victims. Based on their statement, there were no clear warnings in his daily life at home.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW
The San Diego community is mourning three lost lives. Families are now afraid to go to their place of worship. This will likely lead to more talks about how parents keep guns safe at home.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Where did the teens find the ideas that led to this?
- Did anyone else know about the plan before it happened?
- How did the teens get into the center so easily?
SOURCE NOTE
:** Based on reporting from the Daily Mail. All charges are allegations - Caleb Vazquez is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Transparency notes
Published: May 19, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.
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Sources
External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.