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Police say 5 dead in shooting at Islamic Center
Police stage at the scene of a shooting outside the Islamic Center of San Diego May 18, 2026, in San Diego.
(
Gregory Bull
/
AP
)
During a press conference following a shooting at the San Diego Islamic Center, San Diego Police Department Chief Scott Wahl confirmed three adult victims at the center and the two suspects are dead.
Police said the suspects were found dead in the vehicle nearby. They were 17 and 19 years old. The motivation behind the shooting is unknown at this time.
Wahl said in 28 years, this is the most dynamic and impressive response he's seen in policing with help coming from agencies all over the county.
Imam of the Islamic Center of San Diego Taha Hassane said the center stands in solidarity "with all of the families in our community here and all the mosques and places of worship" in San Diego.
"This is something that we never expected, and I would also like to thank all the people who contacted us from all over the country and overseas to offer their condolences."
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria was also present at the news conference.
"We will do anything it takes to make sure you feel safe in this city," Gloria said.
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In a statement, the Council on American-Islamic Relations-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam said:
“We strongly condemn this horrifying act of violence at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this attack. No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school. We are working to learn more about this incident and we encourage everyone to keep this community in your prayers."
The active shooter situation was reported at 11:43 a.m. at ICSD in the 7000 block of Eckstrom Avenue in Clairemont, according to SDPD.
The department is asking people to avoid the area.
A reunification location for those impacted by the incident has been established at 4125 Hathaway Street.
According to our news partner ABC 10News, authorities shut down northbound and southbound Interstate 805 at Balboa Avenue due to the law enforcement activity.
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The San Diego Unified School District confirmed several campuses were placed on lock down. SDUSD spokesperson James Canning said lockdowns are gradually being lifted but schools closest to the Islamic Center will be the last to have their lockdowns lifted.
The Islamic Center is the largest mosque in San Diego County. The center holds five daily prayers.
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