Three people are killed in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, and they are widely remembered by the community for actions that delayed two attackers and helped protect children inside. Authorities say two shooters entered the mosque on Monday and that the three victims—identified by the imam as Amin Abdullah (51), Nadir Awad (57), and Mansour Kaziha (78), also known as Abu Ezz—were shot while trying to distract and delay the gunmen. Reports describe security-camera footage used by police to reconstruct the attack.
Several outlets say the victims’ actions contributed to saving children and staff. Authorities estimate about 140 children were in the building at the time, and multiple sources characterize the men as having helped prevent a larger loss of life by buying time during the assault.
The Islamic Center is described as the largest in San Diego and as serving thousands of people during major holidays, including through religious services and community programs. In the days after the attack, memorials and Janazah prayers draw large numbers of mourners, with at least one report citing more than 2,000 people attending.
