A security guard killed during a shooting at a mosque in San Diego has been hailed as a hero after police said his actions “undoubtedly” saved lives. Amin Abdullah, 51, a father of eight, was among three men fatally shot at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday. Two teenage attackers, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said the attackers ran past Abdullah, who immediately engaged them with gunfire. Despite being fired upon, Abdullah used his radio to initiate a lockdown. “His actions without a doubt delayed, distracted and ultimately deterred these two individuals from gaining access to the greater areas of the mosque where as many as 140 kids were within 15ft of these suspects,” Wahl stated, noting that Abdullah died in the gun battle.
The other victims were Mansour Kaziha, 78, a founding member of the mosque, and Nadir Awad, 57, who lived nearby. Wahl said Kaziha and Awad drew the attackers’ attention, leading them outside, where they were cornered and killed. All three victims were hailed as heroes. Imam Taha Hassane described them as “our martyrs and our heroes”, adding that without Abdullah’s actions, “the carnage would be much worse”.
Hassane recalled Kaziha as a “pillar” of the centre for 40 years, and noted that Awad rushed to help after hearing gunfire. The FBI said the teenage attackers “appear to have been radicalized online”. Abdullah’s daughter, Hawaa, remembered her father as a loving protector and advocate for safety. A friend said Abdullah was proud of his role, describing it as “his dream job”.
