A teenage girl broadcasts live from the attack on the San Diego mosque, accused of killing

A 17-year-old girl from North Carolina has been charged with murder in connection with a deadly mass shooting at the Islamic Center in San Diego. According to authorities, the suspect, identified as Sarah Santiago, live-streamed the attack and published a manifesto attributed to the attackers. The incident occurred on May 18, 2026, when two men, Cain Clark (17) and Caleb Vazquez (18), attacked the Islamic Center before committing suicide. Santiago is accused of aiding in the killings through planning, live-streaming the attack, distributing footage online, and publishing the manifesto that allegedly justified the assault. The charges against Santiago include three counts of first-degree murder and one count of complicity in first-degree murder. County prosecutor Jim O’Neill confirmed these charges during a press conference, emphasizing that North Carolina law holds individuals accountable for criminal acts even if they did not personally commit them. “The law is clear,” O’Neill stated. “An individual can be guilty of a crime even if they didn’t perform any action necessary for its commission.” According to police reports, three people were killed during the attack: Amin Abdullah, Nadir Awad, and Mansour Kazi. Santiago’s alleged role involves agreeing to the attack plan, facilitating its live broadcast via the internet, and disseminating the manifesto that purportedly rationalized the violence. Prosecutors claim she carried out these actions as described in the indictment. FBI Special Agent Reid Davis emphasized the agency's commitment to justice in such cases. “Too often in this age of technology, people try to hide behind their keyboards and screens. If you threaten human lives, the full weight of federal, state, and local authorities, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutors will be directed toward ensuring justice is served,” he said. Prosecutors had expressed uncertainty about Santiago’s capabilities and considered her potential return to school too great a risk to wait for a grand jury hearing. She was arrested last week, and the grand jury filed charges yesterday. Authorities believe the attackers exchanged radical ideologies, some of which were found in the manifesto discovered by police. The document addressed a wide range of racial and religious issues. A hate speech statement was found on one of the weapons used in the attack, while the attackers' farewell message included expressions of racial pride, according to officials. During searches at addresses linked to the suspects, law enforcement found more than 30 firearms, including multiple pistols, rifles, shotguns, and a revolver, along with tactical gear, ammunition, and electronic devices. Clark’s mother contacted police after finding a farewell message written by her son. He had disappeared with a boy he met online, whom she had never seen before. Both were dressed in camouflage clothing, and several weapons were missing from the house. Vazquez had participated in a mental health program up until the day before the shooting, confirmed a federal law enforcement official. The reason for his removal from the program was not disclosed due to ongoing investigations and privacy laws protecting health data. Last year, police requested an emergency protective order related to gun violence after Vazquez was involuntarily held for psychiatric treatment. The goal was to remove firearms from his parents’ home due to concerns over his suspicious behavior, idolization of Nazis, and admiration for mass murderers, according to court documents. Prior to the attack, the Islamic Center increased security measures after receiving offensive messages and alarming threats. Fencing was installed, and surveillance systems were upgraded to enhance safety.