WASHINGTON – Five people, including two suspected gunmen, were killed in a shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego on Monday, in what police are treating as a possible hate crime.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed three adult male victims, among them a security guard, alongside the two alleged shooters.
“Because of the Islamic centre location, we are considering this a hate crime until it’s not, and at this point we’re going to work closely with the FBI,” Wahl told reporters, adding that all children at the centre’s school were safe.
Authorities earlier declared the threat “neutralised” after responding to reports of an active shooter in the Clairemont neighbourhood near Eckstrom Avenue.
President Donald Trump described the incident as a “terrible situation.” “They’re giving a briefing on it … and it’s a terrible situation. I’ve been given some early updates, but we’re going to be going back and looking at it very strongly,” he said at the White House.
Islamic Centre Director Taha Hassane condemned the attack as “extremely outrageous.” “We have never experienced a tragedy like this before. People come to the Islamic centre to pray, to celebrate, to learn — not only Muslims. Just this morning, a group of non-Muslims came to learn about our faith and cultures. So this is something that we have never expected,” he said.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria urged residents to avoid the area. “Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area,” he wrote on X.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said he had been briefed and praised first responders.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) in San Diego issued a statement mourning the victims: “May Allah grant him the highest rank of Paradise and protect everyone from harm. No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school.” – May 19, 2026