Full Breakdown
Active Shooter Incident at San Diego’s Islamic Center Prompts Large-Scale Police Response
5/19/2026, 12:00:39 AM
Incident Summary
On Monday, May 18, 2026, San Diego police received a 911 call at 11:40 a.m. about an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego, 7050 Eckstrom Avenue, Clairemont. Officers arrived within minutes, establishing a heavy police and SWAT presence. By 12:43 p.m. the scene was “still active but contained,” and at 1:05 p.m. the department announced the threat was neutralized. The mosque, the county’s largest, was locked down and nearby schools were evacuated.
Background
The Islamic Center, next to I-805, hosts five daily prayers and the Al Rashid School, which offers Arabic, Islamic studies and Quran instruction. It serves San Diego’s Muslim community and partners with other faith groups.
Law Enforcement & Community Response
San Diego Police, CHP and SWAT teams surrounded the mosque; fire-rescue, medics and a helicopter assisted. I-805 off-ramps at Balboa Avenue were closed. A reunification point was set at 4125 Hathaway Street (Clairemont Seventh-Day Adventist Church). Five schools—Ross, Lafayette, Sequoia, Kearny High and Clairemont Canyon—were locked down; children from the Al Rashid School were escorted to the reunification site.
Official Statements
Mayor Todd Gloria posted on X, “Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.” Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is coordinating with law enforcement and added, “We are grateful to the first responders on the scene.” The police department confirmed the threat was neutralized and urged public to avoid the area. The FBI is assisting; Sharp Memorial Hospital activated disaster procedures.
Criticism & Opposition
CAIR condemned the shooting, saying, “No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school.” CAIR San Diego director Tazheen Nizam said the group is “trying to support any affected community members” and is coordinating with law enforcement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The New York Times and other outlets reported one security guard killed; some sources claim at least two dead, including two suspects. Police have not released official injury numbers or the shooter’s identity, leaving the casualty count uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.” — Mayor Todd Gloria
- “We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities.” — Governor Gavin Newsom’s office
- “The entire school is safe. All the kids and staff and teachers are safe,” — Imam, Islamic Center of San Diego
- “No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school,” — CAIR
Next Steps
The FBI and San Diego Police continue investigating the shooter’s motive and weapon source. Community leaders plan counseling for students and congregants, while the Islamic Center stays closed pending a safety review. Updates will follow as agencies release further details.
