One woman has been killed and three people injured during a shooting at the Chabad of Poway synagogue, just outside San Diego, California, earlier today.
Local police have confirmed that a 19-year-old man has been arrested and children who were reported missing following the incident, have been found.
Neighbours told ABC 10 that they heard around seven gunshots, followed by screams, before hearing more gunshots, just before 11.30 am local time.
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In a statement, San Diego County Sheriff Bill Gore said the shooter opened fire with an "AR-type assault weapon".
He also confirmed that the girl and two men injured in the attack were taken to Palomar Medical Center and are in a stable condition.
Speaking to the media about the incident, Sgt. Aaron Meleen said officers were called to an 'active shooter situation' at 11.23 am local time and there were 'several victims with varying injuries'.
He said: "As you can imagine it was an extremely chaotic scene with people running everywhere when we got here.
"We're confident that there are no shooters that are outstanding."
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Speaking to MSNBC, Steve Vaus, the mayor of Poway, said there had been 'one fatality' and called the 'horrific' attack a 'hate crime'.
Talking about the tragedy, he said: "I can tell you that it was a hate crime, and that will not stand. This community will come together.
"All of the faith communities here are like family. Just a week ago we had an interfaith gathering to find common ground. So for this to happen only a week later, at the end of the passover, only a week after Easter, is horrific."
San Diego Police Department confirmed that a man had been arrested, following the shooting.
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The force tweeted: "A man has been detained for questioning in connection with a shooting incident at the Chabad of Poway synagogue. @SDSOPoway Deputies were called to Chabad Way just before 11:30 a.m. There are injuries. This is a developing situation."
In light of the attack, local police also closed a number of roads and advised worshipers who became separated during the shooting to go to The Family Assistance Center at Poway High.
San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit said extra officers were being put on patrol.
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In a Tweet, he said: "We are assisting @SDSheriff with shooting incident at the Chabad of Poway synagogue. One person has been detained. No known threats however in an abundance of caution, we will be providing extra patrol at places of worship."
This shocking attack comes exactly six months after a separate shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, which saw 11 people killed and four more injured.
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