San Diego police probe mosque shooting as suspected hate crime

San Diego Police have launched a formal investigation into a fatal shooting at the Islamic Centre of San Diego, classifying the incident as a suspected hate crime. The attack occurred on Monday morning, shortly before the Eid al-Adha holiday, resulting in the deaths of three men. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stated that hate rhetoric was involved in the incident, prompting the specific classification of the probe.

The victims have been identified as Amin Abdullah, a father of eight who had worked as a security guard at the mosque for more than a decade, alongside Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad. Chief Wahl described Abdullah’s actions during the attack as heroic, asserting at a news conference that the security guard “undoubtedly saved lives” through his courageous response.

The incident came to light after the mother of one of the suspects reported to police that her son had run away with a friend and may be suicidal. During the search for the two teenagers, authorities located the three victims with gunshot wounds outside the largest mosque in San Diego County. Shortly thereafter, police discovered the two suspects, aged 17 and 18, dead from self-inflicted wounds in a vehicle blocks away from the scene.

Community leaders and law enforcement officials have emphasised the protective role Abdullah played during the attack. Tazheen Nizam, a spokeswoman for the Council on American-Islamic Relations-San Diego (CAIR-SD), confirmed Abdullah’s identity and role, while Shaykh Uthman Ibn Farooq told the Associated Press that Abdullah had become a security guard specifically to defend the innocent. The mosque issued a statement describing him as a man who put himself on the line for the safety of others.

Witnesses and acquaintances have described Abdullah as a figure of significant kindness within the community. Sam Hamideh told CBS News that Abdullah greeted everyone regardless of their status, including homeless individuals. Social media tributes and local reports have characterised him as a dedicated protector of the congregation, with the Islamic Centre noting that he continued to protect the community even in his final moments.