San Diego Mosque Security Guard Killed During Attack on Islamic Center
Amin Abdullah, 51, was shot Monday after confronting armed attackers at the Islamic Center of San Diego. He triggered a lockdown that protected 140 children before he was killed. Two other community members also died in the incident.
The IndependentAmin Abdullah, 51, was killed Monday after confronting two armed attackers at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Police said he exchanged gunfire with the gunmen and radioed a warning that locked down the mosque school, preventing the attackers from reaching classrooms where 140 children were present.
Abdullah’s sons described their father as someone who spent his life protecting others. Eldest son Muhammad Amin Abdullah, 28, said he felt comfort knowing his father’s actions saved the children. Younger son Khaled Abdullah, 24, said his father was on the front line defending kids and innocent people.
Two other community members were also killed: mosque elder Mansour Kaziha, 78, and neighbor Nadir Awad, 57. Authorities are investigating the incident as a hate crime. Friends and neighbors described Abdullah as a gentle man who dedicated years to protecting the mosque community.
Abdullah, 21, remembered his father as the kindest person and his best friend. Sister Hawaa said her father stood against any form of hate. Funeral prayers are scheduled for Thursday. The family said they hope people remember how Abdullah lived as a father and protector who put others before himself.
