Mass Shooting at Islamic Center in San Diego

Religious leaders at the Islamic Center of San Diego have provided updates regarding the mass shooting that occurred Monday morning. They confirmed that school children were present at the time of the incident.

It was reported that two suspected gunmen and a mosque member were killed, with numerous individuals requiring hospitalization.

“We are safe, and the entire school is safe. All the children, staff, and teachers are safe and out of the Islamic Center,” said Imam Taha Hasan in a video shared with the California Post, reaching out to the local Muslim community.

He also requested that everyone stay clear of the Islamic Center grounds, adding, “There is no threat at this time.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations confirmed that one member of the mosque lost their life during the incident.

Executive Director Tajin Nizam stated, “We strongly condemn this horrific act of violence at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this attack.”

Nizam emphasized that “no one should fear for their safety when attending church services or studying at an elementary school,” and urged the community to keep those impacted in their prayers as more details about the event emerge.

Locally, leaders confirmed at least one mosque member was among those killed, and children attending classes were indoors during the shooting.

Law enforcement reported that two gunmen were shot and killed following the shooting at the mosque, resulting in a significant police presence. San Diego police indicated that the threat had been “neutralized.”

Footage captured by a helicopter showed a man in a tactical vest who seemed to have been shot near the Islamic Center.

Officer Anthony Carrasco mentioned to The Associated Press that several individuals appeared to have been shot. Emergency responders and numerous police officers arrived at the scene shortly after the gunman was reported.

Hussein, a community member, advised, “We are closed all day. Please stay safe, stay home, and pray a lot.”

According to the video, several casualties occurred, including at least one mosque member, though this has yet to be officially confirmed by authorities.

Three schools are located near the mosque, including San Diego Islamic School, Claremont Canyons Academy, and Kavod Charter School, along with a Seventh-day Adventist Church and California Children’s Services. The center’s campus features Al Rashid School.

Police evacuated an elementary school adjacent to the Islamic center, as well as adults still inside the center during the incident.

During the search for the shooter, police were reported going from door to door in the neighborhood.

The motive for the attack remains unclear.