San Diego police rushed to the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont Mesa today after reports of an active shooter, with the first 911 calls coming in around 11:40 a.m. Officers, SWAT teams and emergency crews converged on the mosque as authorities urged the public to steer clear of the area. Neighbors described a massive law-enforcement response, including helicopters circling overhead.
At least one killed, freeway ramps shut down
ABC 10News reported that at least one person was killed and that officers began receiving calls about the incident at about 11:40 a.m. on the mosque campus at 7050 Eckstrom Avenue, near Balboa Avenue. According to the outlet, authorities shut down the northbound and southbound off-ramps from Interstate 805 to Balboa Avenue while police worked the scene.
What officials are saying
Officer Anthony Carrasco told The Associated Press that investigators "believe people have been shot" at the location. Aerial television footage showed a heavy police presence clustered outside the Islamic Center of San Diego.
The center’s website states that the campus at 7050 Eckstrom Avenue is the largest mosque in the county and also houses the Al Rashid School, along with regular community programs.
On the ground and under investigation
Local broadcaster NBC 7 San Diego said it had crews stationed at the scene and was updating live as new details trickled in. Authorities have not released any suspect description or possible motive, and investigators are expected to keep sweeping the area and interviewing witnesses as the probe continues.
What happens next
Police have asked anyone with information about the shooting to contact the San Diego Police Department. Official updates are expected from law enforcement and from local media as the investigation develops, and this story will be updated as new details are released.
