Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Teen Indicted in Role in Fatal San Diego Mosque Attack
A shooting happened at a mosque in San Diego on May 18.
Three people died while trying to stop more violence.
Police say two attackers, Caleb Vazquez and Cain Clark, later killed themselves.
Prosecutors say a 17-year-old girl named Sarah Lindsey Santiago helped by recording the attack live.
They also say she shared the video and planned to spread the attackers’ manifesto.
A grand jury in North Carolina charged her with three murders and conspiracy.
She has not been convicted, and the charges are allegations.
North Carolina officials say she could face life in prison without parole if found guilty there.
A North Carolina grand jury indicted 17-year-old Sarah Lindsey Santiago on three murder counts and one conspiracy count.
Prosecutors accuse Santiago of aiding the May 18 San Diego mosque shooting by livestreaming and distributing the attack.
The shooting killed security guard Amin Abdullah, caretaker Mansour Kaziha, and Nadir Awad.
The alleged attackers, Caleb Vazquez and Cain Clark, died by suicide while fleeing the scene, investigators said.
North Carolina officials chose state charges because Santiago can be tried as an adult there, potentially facing life without parole.
- Who
- Sarah Lindsey Santiago, 17, was indicted; investigators identified Caleb Vazquez and Cain Clark as the alleged shooters, and three victims died.
- What
- A North Carolina grand jury charged Santiago with aiding and abetting a mosque attack through an alleged livestream, with three murder counts and one conspiracy count.
- When
- The attack occurred on May 18; Santiago was arrested the week before the August 31 indictment.
- Where
- The shooting occurred at a mosque in San Diego, California; the charges were filed in North Carolina.
- Why
- Prosecutors say Santiago agreed to livestream and distribute the attack and the attackers’ manifesto, sharing their criminal intent.
- Defendant
- Sarah Lindsey Santiago, 17
- Charges
- Three counts of murder and one count of conspiracy
- Attack date
- May 18
- Victims
- Amin Abdullah, 51; Mansour Kaziha, 78; and Nadir Awad, 57
- Alleged shooters
- Caleb Vazquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17
- Potential North Carolina penalty
- Life in prison without parole if convicted
- Livestream viewers
- Investigators said three people watched a livestream of the attack
