Security guard is killed trying to defend San Diego Islamic Center from TWO gunmen before
A security guard was shot dead at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday after two gunmen opened fire.
The two unnamed assailants were shot dead by police at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Claremont around 11.40am PT on Monday, multiple sources told NBC News.
An unidentified security guard was also killed, Ahmed Shabaik, the chairman of the mosque said, according to The New York Times.
Multiple injured people were rushed to a Sharp Memorial Hospital after shots rang out, the outlet said. The number of patients and the extent of their injuries remain unknown.
An official with hospital told the outlet they have activated their disaster protocols and continue to wait for more patients to arrive.
The Muslim place of worship is also home to the Al Rashid school, which was formerly known as the Islamic School of San Diego.
Crowds of young students were seen being evacuated from the building by law enforcement officers.
Panicked parents rushed to the scene to pick up their children after police set up a reunification site.
Two shooters killed a security guard during a mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Claremont around 11:40am PT on Monday
Crowds of students being evacuated out of the building, as the mosque is also home to Al Rashid school
Several people were seen on the phone trying to get answers about what happened while a woman was seen crouching down outside the mosque as the terror unfolded.
Aerial footage also captured a sheet covering what appeared to be a body on the ground outside the building.
Around 4pm, police said the threat ‘has been neutralized.’
‘We have significant resources on scene at this time,’ the agency added.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area, and have shut down parts of Interstate 805 near Balboa Avenue due to police activity.
A shelter in place has also been initiated to locals in the area.
Following reports of the shooting, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria issued a statement on X.
‘I am aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont and am continuing to receive updates from law enforcement.
‘Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area.’
Panicked parents rushed to the scene to pickup their children, with many of them on the phone trying to get answers about what happened
California Governor Gavin Newsom also acknowledged the shooting, writing: ‘We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities.’
The Islamic Center of San Diego is the largest mosque in San Diego County, with around 5,000 members in its congregation.
A reunification center has been set up at San Diego Clairemont Seventh-Day Adventist Church for parents to pick up their children, the San Francisco Police Department said.
Developing story, check back for updates…