A security guard who died in the shooting at a San Diego mosque has been hailed as a hero for his actions that police say 'undoubtedly' saved lives. The gunmen opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, killing three men before fleeing and taking their own lives.
The victims were identified as Amin Abdullah, 51, a security guard and father of eight; Mansour Kaziha, 78, a founding member and caretaker; and Nadir Awad, 57, a neighbour whose wife taught at the mosque's school. Police Chief Scott Wahl said Abdullah engaged the two attackers, aged 17 and 18, in an exchange of gunfire and issued a lockdown alert, delaying them from reaching areas where 140 children were nearby.
Wahl stated that Kaziha and Awad drew the shooters' attention away from the building but were cornered and killed in the car park. He emphasised that all three victims did not die in vain, as their actions prevented further fatalities. The attackers were found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a car blocks away.
Imam Taha Hassane described the victims as 'martyrs and heroes', calling Abdullah a 'lovely person' who never stopped smiling. He noted Kaziha was a 'pillar' of the centre for 40 years, serving as a handyman and cook, while Awad rushed to help after hearing gunfire. Hassane said the community was shocked, though accustomed to hate mail, but never expected such a crime.
The FBI confirmed the teenagers appeared to have been radicalised online. Abdullah's daughter, Hawaa, remembered him as a loving father and protector who advocated for safety. A friend said Abdullah was proud of his role protecting the community.
