Police respond to reported active shooter at San Diego mosque

Police responded to a reported active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont, turning the area around 7050 Eckstrom Ave. into an active emergency scene and prompting officials to shut down Interstate 805 in both directions at Balboa Avenue. The San Diego Police Department asked neighbors to stay indoors and avoid the area as officers and emergency personnel converged on the mosque.

ABC News described the scene as “active but contained,” and photos from the area showed children being evacuated. San Diego Fire-Rescue also had personnel on scene as the law-enforcement response expanded around the mosque and the nearby freeway corridor. The closures on Interstate 805 created immediate disruption for drivers across north and southbound lanes near Balboa Avenue.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was aware of the situation and receiving updates from law enforcement. Authorities did not immediately disclose the cause of the response, and the circumstances that led police to the mosque were not publicly detailed as officers continued their work at the site.

The Islamic Center of San Diego describes itself as the largest mosque in San Diego County and says it resides in the heart of Clairemont. Its regular activities include five daily prayers, Friday prayer and sermon, and a variety of educational talks and seminars, making it a central religious and community institution for local worshippers.

The center lists Taha Hassane as its imam and director of religious activities and outreach. Hassane is also involved in interfaith and advisory roles in San Diego, underscoring the mosque’s broader place in civic and religious life across the city. With police still controlling the scene and the freeway shut down nearby, the response drew intense attention from residents in Clairemont and surrounding neighborhoods as officials worked to secure the area.