SAN DIEGO: Police in the US city of San Diego said on Monday that “the threat has been neutralized” after responding to an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego mosque complex in southern California.
“The threat at the Islamic center has been neutralized,” the San Diego Police Department said in a post on X, without providing further details about the suspect.
The threat at the Islamic center has been neutralized.
Media staging has been established as the Northwest Corner of Lindbergh Park.
(4141 Ashford Street, SD, Ca, 92111)#SDPDPIO
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) May 18, 2026
Earlier, the police department had described the situation as “active but contained” as heavily armed police officers surrounded the Islamic Center in the city’s Clairemont community.
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 #SDPDPIO
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) May 18, 2026
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he had been receiving updates from law enforcement throughout the operation.
“I am aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont,” Gloria wrote on X.
“Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area,” he added.
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.
— San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (@MayorToddGloria) May 18, 2026
Television footage showed dozens of patrol cars parked near a highway bridge adjacent to the mosque complex.
Images from the scene showed armed officers moving through the grounds and surrounding buildings with rifles drawn.
The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in San Diego County, serving a congregation of more than 5,000 members.
The complex also houses the Al Rashid School, which offers religious and language classes.
A witness interviewed by CBS News said he heard what sounded like up to 30 gunshots from a “semi-automatic weapon”.
California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the incident, according to his office.
“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with local law enforcement,” Newsom’s office said in a statement posted on X.
Police urged residents to avoid the area while emergency operations continued.
