WASHINGTON: Tribu­tes poured in on Tuesday for Amin Abdullah, the security guard who was among three people killed in the shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego (ICSD), with police and community leaders crediting his actions with saving dozens of lives during the attack.

Authorities said two teenage gunmen opened fire at the mosque complex on Monday, in what investigators are treating as a possible hate crime. The suspects, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead in a nearby vehicle from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.

Police Chief Scott Wahl described Abdullah’s actions as “heroic”, saying the guard played a critical role in preventing the attack from becoming far deadlier.

Former staff members at the mosque’s adjoining school said Abdullah’s quick thinking likely prevented the attackers from reaching classrooms filled with children.

According to Imam Taha Hassane, Abdullah used his radio to warn teachers inside the mosque school to lock classroom doors moments before he was fatally shot. Nearly 200 children were reportedly on the premises at the time.

“Because of his heroism and his courage, his bravery, and the love for his community and his faith, he saved a lot of lives,” former school employee Mayte Gutierrez told CBS News.

The shooting unfolded shortly before midday prayers at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County. Police said officers arrived within four minutes of receiving reports of an active shooter and found three victims outside the complex.

Community members remembered Abdullah, a father of eight who had worked at the Islamic centre for several years, as kind, deeply devoted to his faith, and fiercely protective of the mosque community.

“He wasn’t just a guard,” a fundraising campaign organised for his family stated. “He was the first face of that community to anyone who came through the door — and the last line of defence when it mattered most.”

Investigators later recovered writings referencing racial pride and hate rhetoric linked to the suspects, strengthening suspicions that the attack was ideologically motivated.

The identities of the other two victims were released by local Mu­­­slim civil rights groups as Ma­­n­­­­­sour Kaziha and Nader Awad.

The ICSD said it is “heartbroken” by the tragedy and is working closely with the San Diego Police Department, the FBI, and emergency responders. The centre said the incident has left its congregation, students, and staff facing “an extremely painful and traumatic day.”

A reunification centre for children and families has been established at the San Diego Claire­mont Seventh-day Adventist Ch­­u­­rch, where families have been directed to seek information and support as authorities continue their work on the ground.

In a statement, California Governor Gavin Newsom said: “Worshippers anywhere should not have to fear for their lives,” while insisting that “hate has no place in California.”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria warned that those who incite su­­­ch violence would be met with justice.

Senator Lindsey Graham called it “the senseless killing of people of faith,” adding, “We truly live in dangerous and sick times.”

The Council on American-Islamic Relations said the attack was “horrifying” and stressed th­­­­at children were present at the Islamic center during the shooting.

The Jewish Federations of North America mourned alongside the Muslim community, stating that “no one should fear gathering in prayer” and describing the tragedy as “another reminder of the urgent need to protect houses of worship nationwide”.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026