A massive police response descended Monday on the Islamic Center of San Diego after reports of an active shooter sent panic through the Clairemont neighborhood.
Hundreds of law enforcement vehicles rushed to the scene near the 7000 block of Eckstrom Avenue as officers evacuated worshippers, staff, and nearby students amid fears the gunman could still be on the loose.
Helicopter footage from local television stations appeared to show at least one individual wearing a tactical vest lying motionless outside the center.
Authorities have not yet confirmed fatalities or injuries.
The chaos unfolded rapidly as officers established a perimeter around the Islamic Center while tactical teams swept nearby streets and homes. According to KGTV San Diego, police were going door-to-door searching for a possible suspect or suspects connected to the shooting.
It remains unclear how many shooters may have been involved.
An elementary school adjacent to the Islamic Center was evacuated as a precaution, while frightened families scrambled for information and reunification efforts got underway nearby.
“SDPD is on scene at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the 7000 block of Eckstrom Ave for a reported active shooter,” the San Diego Police Department said in a statement posted to social media.
“Please avoid the area. Updates to follow.”
SDPD is on scene at the Islamic Center of San Diego in the 7000 block of Eckstrom Ave for a reported active shooter.
Please avoid the area. Updates to follow. #SDPDPIO
— San Diego Police Department (@SanDiegoPD) May 18, 2026
Police later announced a reunification center had been established at 4125 Hathaway Street in San Diego.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was monitoring the rapidly developing situation closely.
“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,” Gloria wrote on X.
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. Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.
— San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria (@MayorToddGloria) May 18, 2026
“Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.”
This story is developing…
BREAKING: Active shooter confirmed at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the county's largest.
Police and the mayor have locked it down with a massive response. A school for young children was on site and all kids evacuated.
Reports of a gunman with an automatic rifle facing… pic.twitter.com/dDpDQeEY5Y
— Andrew Kolvet (@AndrewKolvet) May 18, 2026
