The Muslim community in San Diego is mourning Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad after the three men were killed during an attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Community leaders described the victims as heroes who helped protect worshippers and children inside the mosque during the shooting.
Amin Abdullah, a father of eight and longtime mosque security guard, was praised for initiating a lockdown and confronting the attackers as gunfire erupted. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said Abdullah’s actions “undoubtedly” saved lives by preventing the gunmen from reaching classrooms where around 140 children were present.
Mansour Kaziha, widely known in the community as Abu Ezz, had managed the mosque’s store for nearly four decades and was remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather who dedicated much of his life to serving worshippers and supporting local families.
Nader Awad, whose wife taught at the mosque’s school, was described by worshippers as generous and deeply respected. Witnesses said he rushed toward the danger after hearing gunfire and helped guide people to safety before he was killed.
Authorities said the two teenage gunmen were later found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds inside a vehicle a short distance from the mosque. Investigators said anti-Muslim extremist material and hate symbols were discovered in connection with the attackers, with authorities describing the attack as ideologically motivated.
