The community is mourning the loss of Amin Abdullah, a beloved security guard at the Islamic Center of San Diego, who was killed while heroically preventing further loss of life during a shooting incident. Authorities and community members have praised his quick actions.
Heroic Actions During Attack
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stated that the security guard, without naming Abdullah, “played a pivotal role” in preventing the attack from being more deadly. “It’s fair to say his actions were heroic. Undoubtedly he saved lives today,” the chief said on Monday.
According to Mahmood Ahmadi, a longtime attendee of the mosque, Abdullah greeted everyone with a smile and the traditional Muslim greeting “as-salamu alaikum,” meaning “peace be upon you.”
A Life of Dedication
Family friend Shaykh Uthman Ibn Farooq identified Abdullah, saying he had spoken with one of Abdullah’s sons about funeral plans. “He wanted to defend the innocent so he decided to become a security guard,” Farooq said. Abdullah had worked at the mosque for over a decade, was present nearly every day, and was devoted to his wife and nine children.
Abdullah was raised Christian and described in a 2019 YouTube video his journey to Islam after high school. “My mother saw a change in me,” he said. “I’m starting to help out around the house, being more respectful, I got a job.”
Community Impact
Josie-Ana Edenshaw recalled meeting Abdullah on her first visit to the mosque when he helped her with parking. She said the community was heartbroken. In a WhatsApp group, a teacher described how Abdullah called in “active shooter” on his walkie-talkie, warning staff and teachers inside. “Every single day those kids had that amazing security guard that protected them,” Edenshaw said.
Abbos Rakhmatov, a three-year attendee, said Abdullah took his duties seriously, always walking around and checking the grounds. “He was the model for everyone of us. Always smiling, always caring about our community.”
The Islamic Center of San Diego, one of the largest mosques in the region, attracts thousands during major holidays and provides daily prayers, Ramadan meals, Arabic and Islamic studies, and a store.
