The mayor of San Diego on Monday reported an “active shooter situation” at the Islamic Centre in the city’s Clairemont community, and police said SWAT teams and officers were on the scene, according to posts on social media platform X.
Footage from the local NBC television affiliate showed dozens of patrol cars on a highway bridge next to the Islamic Centre, with police officers and their vehicles surrounding the grounds, aiming rifles at the facility.
TV images from the scene also showed armed officers moving through the complex.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said he is aware of the shooting at the mosque and is receiving updates from law enforcement as emergency personnel respond to the scene.
The Islamic Centre in Clairemont, a residential and commercial district of San Diego, is the largest mosque in San Diego County, according to its website.
In his post on X, Mayor Todd Gloria said: “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.”
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in San Diego said at least one person was killed by a shooter at the Islamic Centre.
“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,” CAIR said on X.
