A father of eight is being remembered as a hero after authorities say his courageous actions helped save lives during a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that left three members of the Muslim community dead and shocked residents across the United States.
Amin Abdullah, who worked as a security guard at the mosque for more than a decade, was among those killed during Monday’s attack. Community leaders, friends, and law enforcement officials say Abdullah put himself in danger to protect worshippers and others at the mosque during the violence.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described Abdullah’s actions as heroic, saying there is little doubt he saved lives during the attack.
The deadly shooting also claimed the lives of Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations San Diego.
Authorities say the attack was carried out by two teenage suspects, aged 17 and 18, who later died from self-inflicted wounds after fleeing the scene. Police have not publicly released their identities.
Investigators are treating the shooting as a possible hate crime after officials revealed that hateful rhetoric was connected to the incident.
According to police, the tragedy began unfolding after the mother of one of the suspects contacted authorities to report that her son and another teenager had run away and might be suicidal. Hours later, officers responding near the mosque discovered three victims suffering from gunshot wounds outside the Islamic Center of San Diego.
Shortly afterward, police located the two suspects dead inside a vehicle several blocks away.
The attack has devastated San Diego’s Muslim community, where Abdullah was widely respected for his kindness, compassion, and dedication to helping others.
Friends and worshippers described him as someone who welcomed everyone warmly, regardless of background or circumstance. Community members said Abdullah was known for helping vulnerable people, greeting visitors with kindness, and making worshippers feel safe and supported.
Shaykh Uthman Ibn Farooq said Abdullah became a security guard because he wanted to protect innocent people and serve the community he loved.
The mosque itself honoured him in a statement describing him as a courageous man who continued protecting others even in his final moments.
As tributes continue pouring in across social media and from faith leaders nationwide, Abdullah is being remembered not only as a devoted protector of his community, but also as a loving father whose sacrifice likely prevented an even greater tragedy.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the motives behind one of the deadliest attacks targeting a mosque in recent U.S. history.