More than 2,000 people gathered in a San Diego park on Thursday to mourn three men killed during an attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. The funeral prayer, known as the Janazah, brought together community members and uniformed police officers to honor 51-year-old Amin Abdullah, 78-year-old Mansour Kaziha, and 57-year-old Nadir Awad.
The three victims were remembered as heroes for their roles in delaying and distracting the two teenage suspects who opened fire at the mosque during school hours on Monday. The attack, which began at approximately 11:43 a.m. Pacific Time, is currently under investigation as a targeted hate crime.
The Heroism of the Fallen
According to police, the incident began when the two teenage assailants rushed the mosque entrance. Abdullah engaged the gunmen in a shootout, an action that police believe pushed the suspects to flee the building. While attempting to assist, Kaziha, the center’s handyman and cook, and Awad, who lived across the street, were fatally shot in the parking lot.
Khaled Abdullah, the son of the security guard, expressed that his family finds strength in his father’s final actions. “The fact that he was on the front line, trying to defend kids and innocent people, that makes me feel decent,” he said. “Calling him a hero is the least we can do.”
Looking Ahead
As the community processes the tragedy, the primary focus remains on the ongoing investigation into the motivation behind the attack. Because the two suspects were found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds following their flight from the scene, the investigative path may involve a deep forensic review of their backgrounds to confirm the hate crime classification. The community’s commitment to standing “strong and firm,” as described by Imam Taha Hassane, suggests that local efforts to bolster security and maintain communal unity are likely to continue as the healing process begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the roles of the three men killed in the attack?
Amin Abdullah was a security guard at the center, Mansour Kaziha served as the handyman and cook, and Nadir Awad was a community member who lived across the street from the mosque.
How did the security guard protect the school children?
Abdullah engaged the attackers in a gun battle and used his radio to order a lockdown, which provided the time necessary for 140 students and staff to hide in classrooms and closets.
What is the current status of the suspects?
The two teenage suspects fled the mosque in a vehicle and were later found dead of self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
How can local communities best support one another during times of national tension and grief?
