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San Diego mosque shooter Caleb Vazquez obsessed with racist Dutch cartoon

May 23, 2026

Summary

San Diego mosque shooter Caleb Vazquez was allegedly obsessed with a "based racist" Dutch cartoon character and joked about slaying Muslim and Jewish people in a radical-right group chat. Law enforcement was aware of Vazquez's alarming behavior a year prior to the deadly attack, leading to family guns being seized.

How coverage differs

  • Center: Mosque shooting spotlights rising anti-Muslim hate and online radicalization Center outlets report on the San Diego mosque shooting involving Caleb Vazquez, noting that law enforcement was aware of his behavior a year prior to the attack. They also place the incident within the context of a reported spike in anti-Muslim incidents, exploring potential preventative measures.
  • Right: Authorities knew: Radical online obsessions led to deadly mosque attack Right-leaning outlets focus on the shooter's specific radicalization, highlighting Caleb Vazquez's alleged obsession with a 'based racist' Dutch cartoon character and his online jokes about harming Muslim and Jewish people. They also emphasize reports that law enforcement was aware of Vazquez's alarming behavior a year prior to the deadly attack, leading to family guns being seized.

Coverage by lane

Center

  • San Diego mosque shooting comes amid anti-Muslim spike. What can be done?

Right

  • San Diego mosque shooter Caleb Vazquez was obsessed with ‘based racist’ Dutch cartoon character, his online pals say
  • Law enforcement was aware of San Diego mosque shooter prior to deadly attack - report

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