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In a tragic incident at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, three adults lost their lives, and the two teenage suspects also died.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed that the suspects were aged 17 and 19. During a press briefing, Wahl stated that preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Importantly, he noted that no officers discharged their firearms during the standoff, although the investigation is still underway.
Among the casualties were three adults who were present at the center. Chief Wahl highlighted that one of the victims served as a security guard, who valiantly contributed to mitigating the potential severity of the attack.
Following the shooting, a heavy presence of police and SWAT vehicles was observed around the Islamic Center of San Diego as authorities responded to the active shooter situation. (KSWB)
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.