An active shooter has been reported at a mosque in San Diego.

The shooter opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Claremont around 11:40am PT on Monday, according to the San Diego Police Department. 

Several people are believed to have been shot, officer Anthony Carrasco told the Associated Press.  

The Muslim place of worship is also home to the Al Rashid school, which was formally known as the Islamic School of San Diego. 

Crowds of young students were seen being evacuated out of the building by law enforcement officers. 

Panicked parents rushed to the scene to pick up their children from the Al Rashid school that is inside the center. 

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.  

Police said the shooting investigation remains ongoing. 

Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area, and have shut down parts of Interstate 805 near Balboa Avenue due to police activity. 

Following reports of the shooting, San Diego 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.' 

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.  

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