A Los Angeles Times investigation revealed that Caleb Liam Vazquez, one of the gunmen responsible for the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, had previously attracted police attention because of extremist behavior and mental health concerns.

In January 2025, Chula Vista police obtained a gun violence restraining order after discovering social media writings in which Vazquez allegedly admired Nazis and mass shooters.Authorities noted he had been placed on a psychiatric 5150 hold, indicating he was considered a danger to himself or others.Police sought to remove firearms from the family home under California’s gun violence prevention laws.

According to court records, Vazquez’s father initially refused officers entry into the home but later stated that all firearms had been secured and transferred to a licensed firearms dealer.The family said they had taken steps to monitor their son’s online activities, secure weapons, and provide therapy and rehabilitation treatment.

Despite these efforts, investigators say Vazquez and accomplice Cain Clark carried out a planned attack on the mosque in May 2026, killing three men before dying from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

The article also describes how both attackers were allegedly radicalized through online extremist communities promoting white nationalism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and violent ideology.Investigators reviewed a 75-page manifesto advocating societal collapse and racial violence.Vazquez’s parents publicly condemned the attack, stating that their son’s beliefs did not reflect their family values.They also disclosed that he was on the autism spectrum and struggled with identity issues while being exposed to hateful online propaganda.The case has intensified concerns about online radicalization, mental health intervention, and firearm access in preventing extremist violence.