A security guard has been hailed as a hero after sacrificing his life to protect children during a deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where three people were killed on Monday.
The guard, identified by community members as Amin Abdullah, was remembered as a devoted father of eight and a long-time staff member at the mosque, which also operates a school for children from kindergarten to third grade. Witnesses and friends say he played a crucial role in preventing the attackers from reaching the school area.
View this post on Instagram
Imam Omar Suleiman paid tribute on social media, saying Abdullah had served the mosque for years and helped stop the shooters from accessing children. He prayed for mercy and described him as a martyr for his actions during the attack.
The Islamic Center of San Diego describes itself as the largest mosque in the city and serves as both a religious institution and an educational facility.
Friend Sam Hamideh told CNN that Abdullah was widely respected in the local Muslim community for his kindness, warmth, and constant positivity. “He wasn’t just some security guard… he always brought that energy of everything’s good,” Hamideh said.
He added that Abdullah would regularly greet families during school drop-offs and had even exchanged a final greeting the morning of the attack. “I didn’t know it was his goodbye. That was crushing,” he said.
Hamideh believes Abdullah knowingly put himself in harm’s way to protect children inside the building, saying he stood between the gunmen and the school to prevent further casualties.
