Who Was Amin Abdullah, Guard Killed in San Diego Shooting?

A security guard at the Islamic Center of San Diego, California, is being praised as a hero after he was killed while reportedly trying to stop armed attackers from entering the mosque complex. Police are investigating the incident as a possible hate crime.

Authorities said at least three people died after two teenage suspects opened fire at the mosque on Monday. Community members identified the slain guard as Amin Abdullah, a longtime worker at the center.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said Abdullah’s actions likely prevented greater loss of life. “It’s fair to say his actions were heroic,” Wahl stated, adding that he “undoubtedly saved lives.”

Reports say children were attending classes at a private school inside the mosque complex during the shooting. The two suspected attackers later died by suicide several blocks away.

Who was Amin Abdullah?

Friends and community leaders described Abdullah as a familiar and respected figure who had worked security at the mosque for more than 10 years. Sheikh Uthman Ibn Farooq said Abdullah chose security work because he wanted to protect innocent people.

Local reports indicate Abdullah was a father of eight. Following news of his death, tributes poured in online as many remembered him for his service to the Muslim community.

What happened during the attack?

Police responded around 11:43 a.m. local time after receiving reports of an active shooter near Eckstrom Avenue, arriving within minutes.

Authorities said there had been no specific warning about threats to the Islamic Center but investigators discovered signs of broad anti-Muslim rhetoric linked to the suspects. Police have not released full details.

Before the attack, officers were already searching for one of the teenagers after his mother reported him missing and expressed fears he was suicidal. She also reported missing weapons and a vehicle.

The search intensified when police learned the teenager was dressed in camouflage and accompanied by another person. Investigators used tracking tools, including license plate technology, and alerted schools connected to one suspect.

While interviewing the mother, police received reports of gunfire at the mosque.

The Islamic Center of San Diego is one of the largest mosques in the county and includes Al Rashid School, which teaches Arabic, Islamic studies, and Quran lessons to children.

Television footage showed children being evacuated from the center while police surrounded the area.

Community reaction

Imam Taha Hassane, director of the mosque, condemned the attack and called it unacceptable to target places of worship.

“All places of worship in our city should always be protected,” he said, noting the center regularly promotes interfaith dialogue and had hosted non-Muslim visitors earlier that day.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said the shooting reflects growing anti-Muslim hostility in the United States and warned that hateful rhetoric can encourage violence.

Public officials, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, condemned the incident and described it as apparent anti-Muslim violence. He announced increased police presence around mosques in New York as a precaution.

US President Donald Trump also reacted, calling the shooting a “terrible situation.”

Investigations into the motive behind the attack remain ongoing.