Security Guard among Three Killed in San Diego Mosque Attack

SAN DIEGO: A security guard hailed as a hero was among three people killed in a shooting at a mosque in San Diego, after police said his actions helped prevent what could have been a far deadlier attack.

Authorities identified the guard as Amin Abdullah, a father of eight who worked at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Officials and community members said he confronted the attackers at the entrance of the mosque and activated lockdown procedures that protected worshippers, including children at an associated school.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said Abdullah’s response “undoubtedly saved lives,” adding that the attackers — two teenagers aged 17 and 18 — opened fire as they attempted to enter the facility and were later found dead from self-inflicted wounds.

“He was a hero. There’s no question that his actions prevented additional loss of life,” Wahl told reporters.

Two other worshippers, identified by the Council on American-Islamic Relations–San Diego (CAIR-SD) as Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, were also killed in the attack. Police said the second phase of the shooting unfolded in a nearby parking area after the suspects engaged Abdullah at the mosque entrance.

Investigators said the incident is being treated as a possible hate crime. Wahl said “hate rhetoric” appeared to have played a role, though authorities have not confirmed a specific motive. Federal officials said they recovered a large cache of weapons, including more than 30 firearms and a crossbow, from residences linked to the suspects.

FBI Special Agent Mark Remily said writings recovered from the suspects contained extremist ideological views and references to religious and racial beliefs, but did not confirm whether the mosque was a pre-planned target.

Community members described Abdullah as a long-serving and well-known figure at the mosque, where he had worked for more than a decade.

“He would greet everyone, no matter who they were — children, elders, or strangers off the street,” said Sam Hamideh, who knew him through the centre.

A vigil was held on Tuesday evening as relatives and worshippers gathered to mourn the victims and call for unity. Abdullah’s daughter, Hawa Abdullah, said her father would have wanted the community to remain united.

“That’s exactly the legacy he left behind,” she said.

The Islamic Center of San Diego said Abdullah “did not stop protecting our community even in his final moments,” while an online fundraiser for the victims has raised more than $2.9 million.

The shooting comes amid heightened concern in the United States over politically and religiously motivated violence. Vice President JD Vance condemned the attack as “reprehensible,” urging Americans to reject violence in political and social disagreements.

By Agencies.