Image: from SweetMarie X@Oceanbreeze473
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Police in San Diego said Monday that an active shooter threat at the Islamic Center of San Diego had been “neutralized” after emergency responders rushed to the scene in the city’s Clairemont neighborhood.
Authorities responded to reports of gunfire at the Islamic center near the 7000 block of Eckstrom Avenue, prompting a major law enforcement operation and warnings for residents to avoid the area.
In a statement posted on social media, San Diego police confirmed that the immediate danger had been contained.
“The threat at the Islamic center has been neutralized,” police said.
Active shooter at Islamic Center of San Diego, CA. USA
At least 2 people have been killed, and multiple injured. Police & SWAT on scene in Clairemont. The area has been under locked down.
Developing story… pic.twitter.com/vAwVW2Me6K
— Red Marker – پیرِ ٹویٹر (@RedMarkar) May 18, 2026
Officials initially reported that several people were believed to be down at the scene, although authorities did not immediately provide details on the number of casualties or injuries.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in San Diego later stated that at least one person had been killed in the attack.
🚨 BREAKING: Three adult male victims have been KlLLED in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, per the FBI
Pray for the victims' families 🙏🏻
This is being treated as a "hate crime," authorities said
TWO shooters, both teen males, were found dead in a car a couple… pic.twitter.com/X1rcmWAD4l
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) May 18, 2026
“May Allah grant him the highest rank of Paradise and protect everyone from harm. No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school,” the organization said in a statement shared online.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was closely monitoring developments and urged the public to cooperate with emergency 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,” Gloria wrote on social media. “Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office also confirmed that the governor had been briefed on the incident.
“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 governor’s office said.
Authorities have not yet released information regarding the identity of the suspected shooter or any possible motive behind the attack. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The incident has raised renewed concerns about security at places of worship across the United States amid growing fears over hate crimes and politically motivated violence targeting religious communities.
The Islamic Center of San Diego is one of the largest Muslim institutions in Southern California, serving worshippers, students, and families from across the region.