Police responding to shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego
People are believed to have been shot, said an officer, and Todd Gloria, the mayor, urges people to avoid the area
Police have responded to a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, authorities said.
Anthony Carrasco, an officer, said they believe people have been shot. Aerial television footage shows a heavy police presence outside the mosque.
In a statement shortly after 1pm PT on Monday, San Diego police said: “The threat at the Islamic center has been neutralized.”
Earlier, SDPD said that it was on scene in the “7000 block of Eckstrom Ave for a reported active shooter”.
Todd Gloria, the San Diego mayor, urged people to avoid the area.
“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,” Garcia said in a statement on social media. “Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.”
The incident appears to have occurred approximately an hour before midday prayer, which according to ICSD’s website, is set at 1.15pm PT.
Gavin Newsom, the California governor, was also briefed, with a spokesperson saying the governor’s office for emergency services was 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,” Newsom’s office said.
The ICSD is the largest mosque in San Diego county.
Meanwhile, the New York police department announced that it was also aware of the shooting, saying: “While there is currently no known nexus to NYC or specific threats to NYC houses of worship, out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD is increasing deployments to mosques across the city.”
Associated Press contributed reporting
