Police respond to active shooter at San Diego mosque

Police in California said Monday they are responding to an active shooter at a mosque in San Diego.

Authorities urged residents to avoid the area near the Islamic Center of San Diego, where the incident occurred.

No official casualty reports have been released, but the Associated Press quoted officer Anthony Carrasco as saying he believes people have been shot.

The police department later said the situation remains active but has been “contained,” adding, “We have significant resources on scene at this time.”

Aerial television footage showed 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. “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, located in a heavily residential neighborhood about 9 miles (14 km) north of downtown San Diego, is the largest mosque in San Diego County, according to its website.