UMVA has learned that a brave security guard gave his life protecting worshippers during a harrowing attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
Amin Abdullah, a former Christian and father of eight, stood between gunfire and a crowded sanctuary, his actions carving a path of safety for teachers, children, and congregants. When the shooters burst into the building, his warning radio call rippled through the halls, prompting a swift evacuation.
Police arrived within four minutes, finding the two teenage gunmen, Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Velasquez, 18, dead in a nearby car from self‑inflicted wounds. Their sudden end left a stunned community grappling with the horror that could have been far worse.
Among the fallen were community stalwart Mansour Kaziha, who had tended the mosque store for nearly four decades, and Nader Awad, whose quick thinking turned bullets away from dozens of innocent lives. Their loss deepens the tragedy, but the survival of many is owed to Abdullah’s split‑second bravery.
Witnesses described a surreal scene: more than a dozen children, hand in hand, escorted from the parking lot by officers, their faces a mix of fear and relief. “Teachers, staff, and children were walked safely out because Amin did his job,” a fundraiser note emphasized.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl called Abdullah’s conduct “heroic,” insisting his actions undoubtedly saved lives. The chief’s words echo the gratitude of a community that now mourns while honoring a selfless protector.
In a moving video recorded moments before his death, Abdullah urged viewers to “do something beneficial for the next person,” hoping his words would inspire repentance and kindness long after he was gone.
Authorities are piecing together the shooters’ backgrounds. Clark had been attending school online since 2021 and was slated to graduate next month, participating in the local wrestling team without any disciplinary record. Neighbors recalled him as a familiar face, waving goodbye as he drove away hours before the tragedy.
Law enforcement used automated license‑plate readers to trace the suspects’ vehicle to a nearby mall, coordinating with schools and families to unravel the chain of events. The swift response and coordinated effort prevented further bloodshed.
In the wake of the attack, a fundraising campaign has rallied, amassing over £1.4 million to support Abdullah’s family. The outpouring of support reflects a collective resolve to honor his sacrifice and aid those left behind.
