Tragedy struck the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday when a shooting claimed the lives of three adults. In a grim turn of events, the two suspects, both teenagers aged 17 and 19, were also found dead.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl addressed the media, revealing that the teenage suspects appeared to have died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. He emphasized that law enforcement personnel did not discharge their weapons during the incident, although the investigation is still in progress to piece together the exact sequence of events.
Among the victims was a security guard whose actions, according to Wahl, were instrumental in preventing the situation from escalating further. The guard’s bravery and quick thinking undoubtedly prevented more casualties at the mosque.
The area around the Islamic Center on Eckstrom Avenue was teeming with police and SWAT teams as the crisis unfolded. Authorities cautioned the public to steer clear of the vicinity while they worked tirelessly to secure the scene and gather crucial evidence.
Police and SWAT vehicles gather outside the Islamic Center of San Diego after reports of an active shooter on Monday. (KSWB)
Earlier in the day, officers were on scene at the mosque in the 7000 block of Eckstrom Avenue and urged the public to avoid the area as the situation unfolded.
A large police and SWAT presence gathered outside the Islamic Center, according to FOX 5 San Diego, while San Diego Fire-Rescue crews also responded to the scene.
Children from nearby schools were seen being evacuated as officers established a perimeter around the area, the outlet reported.
Mayor Todd Gloria said on X that he was aware of 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,” he wrote on X. “Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.”
In another post, Gloria wrote, “Please avoid the area and follow instructions from public safety officials. We will share updates as more information becomes available.”
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s press office said the governor has been briefed on the “evolving situation” at the Islamic Center.
“The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (@Cal_OES) is coordinating with local law enforcement,” Newsom’s team wrote on X. “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 Islamic Center of San Diego describes itself on its website as the largest mosque in San Diego County.
The mosque shares an address with the Lower Campus of Bright Horizon Academy, a private Muslim school serving pre-K through 12th grade students, according to the school’s 2025 annual report.
Bright Horizon Academy reported enrollment of just over 350 students across its campuses. It was not immediately clear which grade levels are housed at the Lower Campus adjacent to the mosque, though the school’s high school operates at a separate location.
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