An active shooter situation unfolded on Monday (May 18) at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the Clairemont neighborhood of San Diego, California, prompting a major law enforcement response and widespread road closures in the surrounding area.
The confirmed that officers were responding to reports of an active shooter at the mosque complex. Officer Anthony Carrasco told reporters that authorities believed multiple people may have been shot, though officials had not yet released confirmed casualty figures.
Television aerial footage from the scene showed dozens of police vehicles surrounding the Islamic center, while heavily armed officers moved through the complex as part of an active search and security operation. Several nearby streets in the residential and commercial Clairemont district were closed as emergency personnel worked to secure the area.
that he was closely monitoring the situation and receiving continuous updates from law enforcement officials.
“I am aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont and am continuing to receive updates from law enforcement. Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area,” Gloria wrote.
The mosque, considered the largest in San Diego County according to its website, serves as a major religious and community center for Muslims in the region. The campus also houses the Al Rashid School, which offers instruction in Arabic language, Islamic studies, and Quranic education.
The office of Gavin Newsom said the governor had been briefed on the incident. In a statement posted on X, the governor’s office expressed support for emergency responders and urged the public to comply with official safety instructions.
“We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities.”
The Islamic Center is located about 9 miles north of downtown San Diego in a densely populated neighborhood. Authorities continued to search the area and investigate the circumstances surrounding the reported shooting.
As of Monday afternoon, officials had not identified a suspect, confirmed the number of victims, or disclosed a possible motive. The investigation remained active.
