Three men were killed during a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on May 18, 2026. The victims have been identified as Amin Abdullah, the armed security guard, Mansour Kaziha, and Nader Awad. Abdullah is being hailed as a hero for his bravery in confronting the shooters and protecting the mosque’s staff and children.
Security Guard’s Heroic Response
According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, the two suspects, aged 17 and 18, entered the Islamic Center and encountered Abdullah outside. The suspects likely did not initially realize the security guard was there. Abdullah immediately engaged them, firing shots, activating the center’s lockdown protocols, and communicating the threat via radio. This response delayed the attackers and prevented them from accessing areas where up to 140 children and teachers were present.
“His actions, without a doubt, delayed, distracted and ultimately deterred these two individuals from gaining access to the greater areas of the mosque,” Chief Wahl said. He credited Abdullah with saving numerous lives before being killed in the confrontation.
Other Victims and Their Roles
Mansour Kaziha, a longtime member of the Islamic Center since 1986 and described by Imam Taha Hassane as the center’s “pillar,” was the first to call 911 after the shooting began. Hassane said Kaziha served many roles at the center, including handyman, cook, and caretaker. Nader Awad, who lived across the street and whose wife teaches at the center’s school, rushed to assist Kaziha during the attack. Both were killed while trying to protect the community.
Investigation and Motive
The FBI and local authorities are investigating the shooting as a hate crime. Investigators recovered a manifesto from the suspects’ vehicle that expressed broad hateful ideologies against multiple races and religions. The suspects met online and lived locally, according to officials. More than 30 firearms and a crossbow were seized from searches of related homes.
The mother of the younger suspect had reported her son, along with his car and firearms, missing before the attack. Authorities are examining how the suspects accessed the weapons, which belonged to one suspect’s parents.
Community Impact and Response
Imam Hassane and community members praised Amin Abdullah for his courage and kindness, noting he had worked as the mosque’s security guard since about 2019 or 2020. Abdullah, a father of eight, was remembered for his generosity and commitment to protecting the community.
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria announced increased police presence at places of worship citywide following the attack, emphasizing the importance of preventing such tragedies. “We have deep gratitude to the security officer whose actions and heroism undoubtedly saved lives,” he said.
Why it matters
This shooting underscores ongoing security concerns for religious institutions amid rising hate crimes in the United States. The actions of dedicated security personnel like Amin Abdullah can be critical in limiting casualties during such attacks. Authorities continue to investigate the suspects’ motives, weapon access, and any wider threats to community safety.
Background
The Islamic Center of San Diego has previously experienced hostility, including hate mail and threats, but had not faced violent attacks before. Nationally, places of worship have increasingly become targets in hate-motivated violence, prompting calls for enhanced security measures across faith communities.
Sources
This article is based on reporting and publicly available information from the following source:
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