A 17-year-old girl from North Carolina has been charged with murder in connection with a deadly shooting at a mosque in San Diego after authorities alleged she helped record and distribute a livestream of the attack.
The teenager was indicted on three murder charges and one conspiracy charge, according to prosecutors. Authorities say the case raises serious questions about the role of online activity and alleged support networks surrounding violent attacks.
Teen Faces Murder and Conspiracy Charges
Forsyth County District Attorney Jim O’Neill announced that the teenager was taken into custody last week. A grand jury later returned an indictment charging her with three counts of murder and one count of conspiracy.
Prosecutors have alleged that she aided and abetted the attackers by recording or helping distribute a livestream connected to the shooting and by sharing writings attributed to the gunmen. Under North Carolina law, an individual accused of aiding and abetting a crime can face penalties similar to those imposed on the people who directly carried out the offense.
Deadly Attack at San Diego Islamic Center
The shooting took place at the Islamic Center of San Diego in May. Authorities said three people were killed during the attack.
According to investigators, a security guard attempted to stop the attackers and helped initiate protective measures that safeguarded children who were nearby. The two alleged attackers later died after the shooting.
Investigation Focuses on Alleged Online Role
The case has drawn attention because the teenager was not accused of being physically present at the scene. Instead, prosecutors are focusing on her alleged involvement in activities surrounding the attack, including the livestream and the distribution of extremist material.
Officials said the investigation is continuing as authorities examine whether others may have had knowledge of or involvement in the events connected to the deadly mosque shooting. The teenager’s legal representation has maintained her innocence.
