A newly filed lawsuit alleges that Park Mental Health Treatment of San Diego failed to act on an FBI warning about Caleb Vazquez, one of two teenagers involved in a mass shooting at a San Diego mosque on May 18, 2025.
The lawsuit, filed by Vazquez’s mother in a San Diego court on August 31, 2025, claims that federal law enforcement contacted her on May 14 to warn that Vazquez had made concerning comments about school shootings on the dark web. According to the court documents, Vazquez was receiving treatment at Park Mental Health for depression and psychotic episodes at the time.
Key timeline of events
- May 14: The FBI contacted Vazquez’s mother to alert her about his online activity.
- May 14 (evening): Vazquez’s mother left a message with Park Mental Health staff to notify them of the FBI’s warning.
- May 15: She shared the FBI’s concerns with Vazquez’s therapist and a program director.
- May 17 (8:00 p.m.): Surveillance footage shows Vazquez leaving the facility.
- May 18 (morning): Facility staff reported Vazquez missing. He and another teenager later killed three people at the mosque before taking their own lives.
Facility response and legal allegations
The lawsuit alleges that Park Mental Health did not take sufficient action despite the FBI’s warning and Vazquez’s mother’s repeated notifications. It remains unclear whether Vazquez was permitted to leave the facility or if he violated rules to do so. The facility offers varying levels of supervision, including some programs with 24-hour surveillance and others with more limited oversight.
Park Mental Health has not responded to requests for comment.
Background on the case
Vazquez, 18, and a second teenager were identified as the shooters in the attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. The incident has drawn comparisons to other cases where guardians were convicted for providing firearms to minors involved in mass shootings. The lawsuit seeks to hold the facility accountable for alleged negligence in preventing the tragedy.
Questions raised by the lawsuit
- Did Park Mental Health fail to implement adequate safeguards after receiving the FBI’s warning?
- Were there gaps in communication between the facility, law enforcement, and Vazquez’s family?
- Could stricter supervision have prevented the shooting?