By Our Correspondent
National News – A deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, United States, has left three worshippers dead, including a security guard hailed as a hero.
Police confirmed that Amin Abdullah, a father of eight, was among those killed when two teenage attackers opened fire on Monday at around noon.
Authorities say the incident, which occurred in San Diego, California, is being investigated as a possible hate crime.
Witnesses and officials described Abdullah’s actions as heroic, saying he likely saved several lives by confronting the attackers before being fatally shot.
Police in San Diego said the attack unfolded after the mother of one of the suspects alerted authorities that her son and a friend had run away and may have been suicidal.
Hours later, officers searching the area discovered victims outside the mosque compound.
Investigators confirmed that three men were shot, including Abdullah, a long-serving security guard at the Islamic centre.
The suspects, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead inside a vehicle from self-inflicted gunshot wounds, according to police reports.
Officials believe the attack was motivated by hate rhetoric and are treating the case as a hate crime.
Community members described Abdullah as a devoted father of eight who worked at the mosque for over a decade, welcoming worshippers daily and protecting children and the elderly.
A fundraising campaign launched after the incident has already raised over 1.6 million dollars in support of his family.
Authorities continue to investigate how the teenagers obtained weapons and planned the assault, while urging calm in the affected community as security measures are reviewed at religious centers across the region.
Authorities and faith leaders across the United States have condemned the attack, calling for stronger protection of places of worship amid rising concerns over hate-driven violence.
The Islamic Center of San Diego said Abdullah would be remembered as a symbol of courage and compassion, noting that his actions prevented further loss of life.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as forensic teams analyze evidence and digital communications linked to the suspects.
