Authorities responded on Monday to reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego, triggering a large-scale emergency response and a temporary lockdown in parts of the surrounding Clairemont neighborhood.
According to officials, police were called to the scene around midday after multiple emergency reports of gunfire at the religious facility, which also includes an Islamic school. Law enforcement quickly arrived and secured the area as the situation developed.
Police say scene is “active but contained”
San Diego police confirmed that officers were on-site and working to contain the situation. While authorities have not released full details on casualties or the identity of the suspect, they described the incident as “active but contained” during the initial response phase.
Emergency vehicles, SWAT units, and medical teams were seen surrounding the area as nearby roads were closed to traffic.
Reports of injuries and emergency response
Early reports indicate that multiple shots were fired during the incident. Some local outlets suggested there may be injuries, though officials have not yet confirmed exact numbers.
Authorities have not released information on whether the suspect has been fully apprehended or neutralized, and investigations are ongoing.
Children and worshippers evacuated
The Islamic Center complex includes a school facility, and footage from the scene showed children being evacuated as law enforcement secured the building. Families were later directed to reunification areas set up by authorities.
Nearby schools were also placed on precautionary lockdown as a safety measure.
Officials briefed as investigation continues
Local leaders, including city and state officials, have been briefed on the incident. Emergency teams continue to monitor the area as investigators work to determine what happened and whether the attack was targeted.
Authorities are expected to release further updates once the situation is fully stabilized and verified information becomes available.
Background
The Islamic Center of San Diego is one of the largest mosques in the region and serves as both a place of worship and a community education center. It has previously been subject to heightened security monitoring and community safety checks in past years.
Situation ongoing
Officials emphasized that this is a developing story. Residents have been urged to avoid the area and follow official updates from law enforcement.
Further details, including potential motives, suspect identity, and casualty confirmation, are expected as the investigation continues.