San Diego: hero Amin Abdullah killed while trying to neutralize shooters in a mosque

The attack on a mosque in San Diego left three people dead on Monday May 18. Among the victims was Amin Abdullah, a security guard at the Islamic center and father of eight children. According to the police, his intervention made it possible to avoid a much heavier death toll. The two attackers, aged 17 and 18, opened fire before committing suicide a few hours later. Investigators are favoring the possibility of a hate crime. More than 30 weapons were found during searches of the suspects.

According to authorities, Amin Abdullah tried to stop the shooters and triggered the center’s security procedures, which would have helped protect many children at the mosque school. The local Muslim community, which paid tribute to him, described him as a man appreciated by all. A vigil was organized Tuesday evening in tribute to the victims. Surrounded by her brothers and sisters, Amin Abdullah’s daughter called on the community to remain united despite the tragedy. Several Muslim leaders have also denounced the rise in hate speech targeting religious minorities.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria praised the courage of the victims and said the shooters “do not represent the city.” For his part, US Vice President JD Vance described the attack as “reprehensible” and called on Americans to reject any form of political or religious violence. Investigators also found a manifesto and writings containing racist and anti-Muslim remarks. The FBI says the suspects harbored hatred toward several communities and are still determining whether the mosque was specifically targeted. An online fundraiser launched to support the families of the victims has already raised several million dollars. In San Diego, many residents gathered in front of the Islamic Center to lay flowers and show solidarity with the Muslim community.