SAN DIEGO - Family members of the security guard killed while defending children at the Islamic Center of San Diego said he lived and died by putting others first.
Amin Abdullah, 51, worked as a security guard at the largest mosque in San Diego County. Police say he confronted two gunmen in a shootout and transmitted a radio call that activated a security lockdown that kept about 140 children in the mosque school safe. Abdullah died as a result of his actions, which his sons and community members described as heroic.
Two other people were also killed in the attack. Mosque elder Mansour Kaziha, 78, and Nadir Awad, 57, an Uber driver and neighbor whose wife teaches at the mosque school, were shot and killed. Authorities, including the FBI, said they are investigating the killings as a hate crime. Investigators have not released details about the possible motive of the attackers, who took their own lives shortly after the shooting.
Funerals for Abdullah, Kaziha and Awad are scheduled for Thursday.
Speaking to reporters and visitors at their fatherâs home, Abdullahâs children recalled his character and the way he confronted the attack.
"When I learned about it ⦠I couldnât believe it. It didnât feel real. I was just in shock," said Muhammad Amin Abdullah, 28. "But when I learned that his actions saved all the kids ⦠I felt proud, and I felt comfort because I know thatâs exactly how my dad would have wanted to go out - protecting people."
His brothers also spoke about their fatherâs legacy. Khaled, 24, said the family took strength from how their father died. "The fact that he was on the front line, trying to defend kids and innocent people, that makes me feel good," he said. "Calling him a hero is the least we can do."
Jibreel, 21, called his father "the kindest person youâd meet." "Ask anyone ⦠theyâd have nothing but good things to say about my dad," Jibreel said. "Best dad you could ask for."
The family urged others to commemorate Abdullah by emulating his compassion and service. "Live your life serving others ⦠and just be kind to everybody," Muhammad said. "The world would definitely be a better place if people lived like that."
Their sister, Hawaa, echoed that message to reporters, saying their father "stood against any form of hate."
The investigation remains ongoing. Police and the FBI have classified the attack as a hate crime investigation but have not provided further details about the suspects' motives. Officials confirmed the attackers took their own lives shortly after the shooting.
The deaths have prompted community mourning and preparations for funerals later this week. Family members and community elders have described the three slain men as pillars of the local community.