One person is dead after a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Deigo, according to a post on X from the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
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San Diego police responded Monday to reports of an active shooter near the Islamic Center of San Diego in the Clairemont Mesa neighborhood.
“We have learned from @CAIRSanDiego that at least one person was killed by a shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego today,” CAIR said in the post.
“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 post said.
“We are working to learn more about this incident and we encourage everyone to keep this community in your prayers.”
No information on a suspect or victims was released immediately.
Newsweek reached out to the Islamic Center of San Diego by email Monday for comment.
What We Know
Officers began receiving calls around 11:40 a.m. local time about a shooting outside the mosque at 7050 Eckstrom Avenue, near Balboa Avenue, according to the San Diego Police Department.
Just before noon local time, SDPD posted on X, “The scene at 7050 Eckstrom Ave is still active but contained. We have significant resources on scene at this time. We have established a reunification location at 4125 Hathaway Street, SD, CA 92111”
Authorities shut down northbound Interstate 805 at Balboa Avenue due to law enforcement activity, San Diego’s 10 News reported.
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The department said in a post on X just after 1 p.m. local time that “the threat at the Islamic center has been neutralized.”
Officer Anthony Carrasco confirmed to the Associated Press (AP) that people reported multiple shots at the Islamic Center of San Diego, but he did not have information about where the shooter was located.
San Diego mayor Todd Gloria posted on X, “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.”
Governor Gavin Newsom’s office posted on X that he “has been briefed on an evolving situation in Clairemont community of San Diego, near the Islamic Center. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. @Cal_OES is coordinating with local law enforcement. We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities.”
Rep. Sara Jacobs told Newsweek in an email Monday, “My office and I are aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego and are in contact with local authorities. We don’t have any details about a potential motive yet, but I’m devastated for those students, worshippers, and the Clairemont community. Everyone should be able to pray, worship, and learn in peace.”
People were seen walking away from the building, some of them holding each others’ hands and being escorted by police officers in videos posted to social media by local media. Children were also seen holding hands and being walked out of the parking lot, according to AP.
The Islamic Center is the largest mosque in San Diego County, the AP reported, citing the center’s website.
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This is a breaking news article. Updates to follow.
