San Diego mosque shooter Caleb Vazquez’s family breaks silence on terror attack, say autistic son was brainwashed online
The family of Caleb Vazquez, one of the shooters in the San Diego Islamic Center attack, has publicly apologized and expressed their heartbreak over the tragedy. They stated that their son, who was on the autism spectrum, was influenced by online hate and extremist ideologies. The family condemned the violent actions and acknowledged the irreversible pain caused to the victims and the broader community.
- ▪Caleb Vazquez's family described him as being influenced by hateful rhetoric online.
- ▪The family expressed their deep sorrow and condemned the violent actions of their son.
- ▪Vazquez and another teen, Cain Clark, killed three people during the attack before taking their own lives.
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Metro San Diego shooter’s family breaks silence on terror attack, say autistic son was brainwashed online By Jared Downing and Brad Appleton Published May 21, 2026, 9:25 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results. Add The California Post on Google Caleb Vazquez, one of two teens responsible for the mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, was on the autism spectrum and influenced by hateful rhetoric online, his family described in a heartfelt apology. “Over the last several days, our family has been trying to process the horrific actions carried outby our son against the Islamic Center San Diego Community,” the 18-year-old’s family said in a statement released by attorney Colin Rudolph. 6 Officers swarmed the Islamic Center of San Diego Monday after shots rang out.
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