The Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County, also houses the Al Rashid Weekend School, which provides Arabic language and Islamic studies instruction. An imam from the mosque said that all teachers, students, and school staff members present at the time of the shooting were safely evacuated.
Imam Taha Hassane, director of the Islamic Center of San Diego, called the attack “outrageous.”
“It is extremely outrageous to target a place of worship,” he said, adding that the mosque is a place where people come “to pray, celebrate and learn.”
Nearby Sharp Memorial Hospital said it was receiving patients and had activated disaster response procedures in coordination with county officials.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he was receiving updates from law enforcement as emergency personnel worked to secure the area. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has also been briefed, according to his office. Additionally, the White House said President Donald Trump has been briefed on the shooting.