Three people, including a security guard, have been killed in a horrific shooting at the largest mosque in San Diego, California.

Following the attack, police recovered the bodies of two teenagers from a vehicle parked nearby in what is initially suspected to be a murder-suicide. US news outlet CNN reported the developments.

Authorities confirmed that the incident is being investigated as a hate crime. Hate-fueled inscriptions were discovered on one of the weapons used in the assault.

Additionally, investigators recovered a manifesto or note from the suspects detailing explicit racial animus.

The slain security guard was a father of eight. A local resident told CNN that the guard sacrificed his own life to shield worshippers and children inside the mosque.

The facility houses a children's school, and young students were present when the gunfire broke out.

According to the police chief, one of the teenagers involved had left his mother's residence armed with three firearms.

Law enforcement had been on high alert for a potential mass casualty event immediately after being notified of the missing weapons.

California Governor Gavin Newsom and New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani strongly condemned the tragedy, declaring that targeted attacks on places of worship are entirely intolerable.

Police stated that the identities of the three victims are being withheld at this time, with further details to be released upon the conclusion of the preliminary investigation.