At least five killed in attack on San Diego Islamic Centre

San Diego Police Chief says incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime, adding that three victims lost their lives in attack while two suspects were also killed during response

SAN DIEGO: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 19^th, 2026) At least five people were killed in a shooting incident at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, the largest mosque in the area, after law enforcement agencies responded to reports of an active shooter situation. Authorities later said the threat had been “neutralised” following a large-scale police operation.

San Diego Police Chief said that the incident is being investigated as a possible hate crime. The officials confirmed that three victims lost their lives in the attack while two suspects were also killed during the response. Among those killed was a security guard stationed at the mosque.

The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) stated on social media that at least one person was shot dead inside the mosque. The organisation also expressed concern that children were present at an Islamic school located within the same complex at the time of the incident.

In a separate message, mosque chairman Ahmed Shabaik confirmed that a security guard was among those killed, according to local media reports.

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The police officials stated that officers were deployed immediately after receiving reports of an active shooter at the Clairemont-based Islamic Centre. Heavy law enforcement presence was seen surrounding the area, with tactical units entering the facility to secure the premises.

Eyewitness visuals broadcast by local media showed multiple police vehicles surrounding the mosque, while armed officers were seen taking positions on rooftops and moving through the complex as part of the operation.

The Islamic Centre of San Diego, located in the Clairemont community, is the largest mosque in San Diego County and also houses the Bright Horizon academy, an Islamic educational institution.

CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam strongly condemned the attack, calling it a horrific act of violence and urging the public to keep the affected community in their thoughts and prayers.

The officials from the office of California Governor Gavin Newsom said he had been briefed on the evolving situation as investigations continue.