At least three adult victims, including a security guard, were killed following an active shooter incident near the Islamic Center of San Diego in the Clairemont area on Monday.
The security guard shot to death “played a pivotal role” in stopping more casualties, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said at a press conference. The suspects’ motive remains unclear, and the FBI is assisting in the investigation. Wahl said the incident would be treated as a hate crime “until it’s not.”
Police confirmed two male suspects, aged 17 and 19, died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a car outside the mosque. All three adult male victims were staff at the center.
The San Diego Police Department said officers responded to the center located at 7050 Eckstrom Avenue within four minutes of reports of gunfire. Police found all three victims dead outside the center, then cleared each room amid a “chaotic” scene. No officers fired a shot during the active shooter incident.
“The threat at the Islamic center has been neutralized,” the police department said on social media. An eyewitness told CBS he called 911 after hearing what he believed were about 30 gunshots. A landscaper was also shot at but was unharmed.
“We were concerned and putting out heads down inside the house,” the man said to a local reporter.
Aerial footage showed armed security guards escorting school-aged children off the scene.
Fox News aired footage of children being led away from a mosque shortly after the incident. https://t.co/61TWG0xvzu pic.twitter.com/uqRbDnzyIg
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 18, 2026
San Diego Democratic Mayor Todd Gloria said he was monitoring the situation.
“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 posted to social media. “Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.”
“Please avoid the area and follow instructions from public safety officials. We will share updates as more information becomes available,” he added.
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
A second press conference is expected Monday evening.
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