San Diego Police Department responded to reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, according to a post by the department on social media. The department urged the public to avoid the area; Police said in an update around 12:43 p.m, PT the scene is “active but contained.”

Police Response and Scene Description

Dozens of police vehicles were on scene, and people were seen walking away from the building, some holding each other’s hands and being escorted by police officers, in video shot by CNN affiliate KFMB. Aerial views showed a massive police presence, with officers in khaki pointing rifles down what appeared to be an outdoor passageway near the school of the mosque.

The Islamic Center in Clairmont is the largest mosque in San Diego County, according to its website, the campus includes the Al Rashid School, which offers Arabic language, Islamic studies, and Quranic courses, according to the website. The center also works with other organizations and people of all religions in social causes and provides five daily prayers.

Government Officials’ Reactions

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the “evolving situation,” his press office said on X. “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 post said. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also said he was aware of the “active shooter situation” in a post on X, and he said that emergency personnel are at the scene and “actively working to protect the community and secure the area.”

No injuries were immediately reported, according to KTVU, a reunification site has been set up at 4125 Hathaway Street in San Diego — the center is located in a mostly residential neighborhood about 9 miles north of downtown San Diego, according to Univision.

Community and Religious Role of the Center

The Islamic Center of San Diego serves not only the Muslim community but also works with the broader community to serve the less fortunate, educate, and improve the nation, according to its website. The center’s mission emphasizes collaboration with other religious groups and community organizations for social causes; this is a developing story and will be updated.