The bravery of a security guard who was shot dead along with two other worshippers at a San Diego mosque on Monday prevented the attack from being much worse, say police.
The guard was Amin Abdullah, a father of eight, said Tazheen Nizam, a spokeswoman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations-San Diego (Cair-SD). It's fair to say his actions were heroic, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told a news conference. Undoubtedly, he saved lives today.
Abdullah and two victims named as Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad were killed by two teenage assailants who later took their own lives. Chief Wahl stated that as the suspects ran past Abdullah at the mosque's entrance, he began shooting first, prompting the attackers to return fire. His defensive action and the implementation of lockdown procedures ultimately safeguarded many lives, including approximately 140 children at the school within the Islamic center.
Authorities have labeled the shooting as a hate crime, with indications that hate rhetoric may have motivated the attackers. The prevalence of firearms associated with the suspects has raised significant concern. Investigators seized over 30 guns and recorded troubling writings expressing extremist ideologies.
Community members have described Abdullah as a beloved figure who dedicated his life to the safety and wellbeing of others. In honor of his memory, an online fundraiser for the victims has raised over $2.9 million, reflecting the deep impact he had on those around him. His legacy emphasizes the importance of unity among diverse communities, especially in the face of adversity.
The guard was Amin Abdullah, a father of eight, said Tazheen Nizam, a spokeswoman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations-San Diego (Cair-SD). It's fair to say his actions were heroic, San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl told a news conference. Undoubtedly, he saved lives today.
Abdullah and two victims named as Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad were killed by two teenage assailants who later took their own lives. Chief Wahl stated that as the suspects ran past Abdullah at the mosque's entrance, he began shooting first, prompting the attackers to return fire. His defensive action and the implementation of lockdown procedures ultimately safeguarded many lives, including approximately 140 children at the school within the Islamic center.
Authorities have labeled the shooting as a hate crime, with indications that hate rhetoric may have motivated the attackers. The prevalence of firearms associated with the suspects has raised significant concern. Investigators seized over 30 guns and recorded troubling writings expressing extremist ideologies.
Community members have described Abdullah as a beloved figure who dedicated his life to the safety and wellbeing of others. In honor of his memory, an online fundraiser for the victims has raised over $2.9 million, reflecting the deep impact he had on those around him. His legacy emphasizes the importance of unity among diverse communities, especially in the face of adversity.
