San Diego mosque shooting: Who were the victims? | Crime News
Islamic Center of San Diego Confirms Identities of Shooting Victims
Authorities at the Islamic Center of San Diego have confirmed the identities of two men who were killed in a shooting incident at the mosque on Monday. This announcement followed the identification of Amin Abdullah, a security guard, who lost his life while attempting to thwart two armed attackers from entering the complex.
According to mosque officials, Abdullah was among the victims who played a critical role in responding to the gunfire. “We call them our brothers in the community. We refer to them as our martyrs and heroes,” said Imam Taha Hassane in a statement.
The attack occurred while police were already searching for one of the alleged attackers, who had been reported missing by his mother due to concerns about his mental health. The two suspects were later found deceased from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Authorities have since classified the shooting as a potential hate crime.
Victim Profiles
Mansour Kaziha
Mansour Kaziha, 78, known as Abu Ezz, had worked at the mosque since its construction in the 1980s. He called police before he was killed, according to Ahmed Shabaik, the mosque’s board chairman. Kaziha, originally from Syria, was a devoted family man with five adult children. His contributions to the mosque included running its gift shop and coordinating communal meals during Ramadan.
His son, Yasser Kaziha, described his father as a foundational figure in both the community and the family. “He taught us to expect hardships and push through them to fulfill our purposes,” he said at a vigil held in honor of the victims.
Nader Awad
Nader Awad, 57, was a local resident who frequently attended prayers at the Islamic Center. When he heard gunfire, he ran toward the building to assist, according to Imam Hassane. Awad’s efforts to divert others from entering the mosque during the assault have been acknowledged as courageous.
“He was at the Islamic Center every single day,” Hassane noted during a news conference.
Amin Abdullah
Amin Abdullah, 51, was recognized for his heroism during the incident. Described by police Chief Scott Wahl as playing a “pivotal role” in preventing further casualties, Abdullah has been noted for his dedication to the community. He was a father of eight and known for warmly welcoming visitors with the traditional Muslim greeting.
Abdullah’s daughter, Hawaa, reflected on her father’s devotion to his family and community, noting that he often delayed meals during his shifts to remain vigilant. “He was afraid that if he took a break, something bad would happen,” she said.
Tributes for Abdullah have been widespread on social media. He was raised in a Christian household but converted to Islam, a journey he described in a 2019 YouTube video.
The community continues to mourn the unthinkable loss, reflecting on the lives and legacies of those who were tragically taken.
The investigation into the shooting remains ongoing as authorities seek to understand the motivations behind this tragic event.
