The shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, the region’s largest mosque, left at least five people dead after a large police response followed reports of an active shooter at the complex. Authorities later announced that officers had neutralised the threat after securing the area and conducting a search of the premises.
Police are treating the incident as a possible hate crime, according to San Diego Police Chief officials. The attack claimed the lives of three victims, while two suspected attackers were also killed during the incident. Authorities confirmed that one of the victims worked as a security guard at the Islamic Centre.
Meanwhile, the San Diego branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) stated on X that at least one person had died in the shooting. The organisation also revealed that children were present inside a school operating within the mosque complex when the attack unfolded.
According to reports citing mosque chairman Ahmed Shabaik, the security guard lost his life while serving at the centre. At nearly the same time, the San Diego Police Department announced through social media that officers had brought the situation under control.
Earlier, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria confirmed that officials had informed him of an active shooter situation at the Islamic Centre in the Clairemont area of the city. Television footage later showed dozens of police vehicles surrounding the mosque, while armed officers in tactical gear secured the grounds and nearby areas.
Furthermore, California Governor Gavin Newsom received briefings on the developing situation as authorities continued their investigation into the deadly attack.
