A police officer stands guard as emergency workers respond at the scene of a reported active shooter situation at the Islamic Center in San Diego, May 18 [Mike Blake/Reuters]By The Associated PressPublished On 18 May 202618 May 2026Police in California have said they are responding to an active shooter at a mosque in San Diego.
Authorities called on residents in Monday to avoid the area of the incident at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
There have been no official reports of casualties, but the Associated Press news agency cited officer Anthony Carrasco as saying that he believes people have been shot.
The police department said later on Monday that the situation remains active but has been “contained” without providing further details. “We have significant resources on scene at this time,” the department said.
Aerial television footage shows a heavy police presence outside the mosque.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he is continuing to receive reports about the incident. “Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area,” he wrote on X.
The office of California Governor Gavin Newsom said he is following the situation and coordinating with local law enforcement agencies. “We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities,” the office said in a statement.
The mosque is in a heavily residential neighbourhood about 9 miles (14 km) north of downtown San Diego. It is the largest mosque in San Diego County, according to its website.
