The family of Caleb Vazquez, one of the teenagers accused in the deadly attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, issued a statement saying they are “deeply sorry for the pain and devastation caused” and that their son’s alleged actions do not reflect the values they taught. The release was issued Thursday by the family’s attorney, Colin Rudolph, and obtained by ABC News’ San Diego affiliate KGTV.
Authorities say three people were killed in the Monday shooting before the two suspects, both teenagers, died by apparent self-inflicted wounds and were later found dead in a nearby vehicle. Investigators are treating the incident as a possible hate crime.
In the statement, the family said they have been struggling to come to terms with what happened and acknowledged that no words or actions could undo the harm. They described themselves as “completely heartbroken and devastated” and condemned the violent act.
The family also expressed sorrow for the victims—Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad—and praised their bravery. They said they grieve the child they raised but mourn even more for the three who lost their lives, thanking them for actions that helped prevent further loss of life.
Officials have said Abdullah, who worked as a security guard at the center, helped stop the suspects when they were reportedly only about 15 feet from a gathering of roughly 140 children. Kaziha, described as a community elder, was the first to call 911, and Awad ran across the street from his home to assist when he heard the shooting.
Police named two teenagers under investigation in the attack: Cain Clark and Caleb Vazquez. Investigators are also reviewing a 75-page document circulating online that reportedly consists of two essays attributed to the suspected shooters. Sources told ABC News the essays promote white nationalist views and express hatred of immigrants, racial minorities and others, and include hostility toward women who prefer taller men. Vazquez is said to have referred to himself as an “accelerationist” in the material.
It was not clear when the essays were written; one section meant to list specific “targets” was reportedly left blank. Officials continue to probe the motive and how the suspects planned the attack.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said investigators are looking into how the teenagers obtained the firearms used in the shooting. Authorities told reporters the guns belonged to the parents of one of the suspects, though officials have not confirmed whether the weapons were stored or secured. During searches of two homes connected to the suspects, law enforcement seized a cache of weapons and equipment.
Mark Remily, special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Diego Field Office, said officers recovered numerous pistols, rifles, shotguns, ammunition, tactical gear and electronics during the searches. Local and federal investigators continue to examine evidence as they work to piece together the events that led to the attack and to determine whether federal hate-crime statutes apply.