Police: Active shooter scene contained at San Diego Islamic Center

At least five people are dead — including two gunmen — after a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont, according to San Diego Police.

Catch up quick: Police began receiving calls regarding an active shooter there around 11:40 am PT.

• The center also operates as a school, and children were seen evacuating the building with a police escort.

Police Chief Scott Wahl called the scene "extremely chaotic" during a press briefing Monday, and that responding officers found three dead bodies outside the center.

• Two suspects, aged 17 and 19, were found dead in a vehicle nearby, he said.
• Officers conducted room-by-room clearance of the mosque, breaching doors in some instances, Wahl said during a press conference at about 2pm local time Monday.
• There were between 50-100 officers in the mosque at one point, he added.
• He said there will be "a tremendous amount of information and details to come," and is expected to hold another press briefing later today.

"This is every community's worst nightmare," Wahl said.

Driving the news: Law enforcement officials told reporters that they are considering the situation a hate crime until an investigation can prove otherwise.

• "No one should ever fear for their safety while attending prayers or studying at an elementary school," the Council on American-Islamic Relations wrote on X. "We are working to learn more about this incident and we encourage everyone to keep this community in your prayers."

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

• It hosts community events, Saturday classes for children along with religious services.

What they're saying: San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and Gov. Gavin Newsom both posted on X that they've been briefed on the situation.

• "We are grateful to the first responders on the scene working to protect the community and urge everyone to follow guidance from local authorities," Newsom said.

Zoom out: Monday began one of the holiest periods in the Islamic year, Dhul Hijjah.

• Muslims observe the first 10 days of the lunar month as a second chance to have sins forgiven after Ramadan.
• Dhul Hijjah marks the start of the annual Hajj pilgrimage season, culminating in Eid al-Adha.

Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated.