Threat 'neutralized' after active shooter reported at Islamic Center of San Diego: Police

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KABC) -- The San Diego Police Department said the threat "has been neutralized" after reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

Officer Anthony Carrasco said people reported multiple shots at the mosque, which is about 9 miles north of downtown San Diego.

Officers responded to Eckstrom Avenue around 12 p.m. PT in the Clairemont area and urged the public to avoid the area, according to the police department.

At least one person was killed in the incident, according to our affiliate station KGTV.

Aerial footage showed people being escorted from the scene by authorities, and a line of school children holding hands as they evacuated the area.

The Islamic Center is the largest mosque in San Diego County, according to its website.

"We strongly condemn this horrifying act of violence," Tazheen Nizam, the executive director of the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said in a statement. "Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this attack. No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school."

The campus includes the Al Rashid School, which the website says offers courses in Arabic language, Islamic studies and the Quran.

In an Instagram post, the center's director said that "all children and teachers have been evacuated and are safe."

Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said he was being briefed.

"We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities," his office posted on the social platform X.

In New York City, the NYPD said there's "no known nexus to NYC or specific threats to NYC houses of worship," but the department said it is increasing officer deployments to mosques "out of an abundance of caution."

This is a developing story. Stay with us for the latest updates as they become available.

The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.