More than 2,000 people gathered in a San Diego park on Thursday to mourn a security guard and two other men who were killed while attempting to stop an attack on the city's largest mosque. The victims were remembered as heroes during the Islamic funeral prayer service, known as Janazah.

The three men — 51-year-old Amin Abdullah, 78-year-old Mansour Kaziha, and 57-year-old Nadir Awad — were killed on Monday when two teenage suspects opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Their bodies lay beneath a white canopy during the service, as attendees chanted "God is the greatest" in Arabic.

Mourners, including police officers, gathered in rows for the prayer. Many spoke of the victims' bravery in delaying and distracting the assailants, actions that are credited with preventing further casualties. People traveled from across the United States, some from the East Coast, to attend the ceremony.

The attack is currently being investigated as a hate crime, according to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. He stated that the victims' actions likely prevented more bloodshed. The shooting began around 11:43 a.m. Pacific Time when Abdullah, the mosque's security guard, engaged the teenage gunmen.

Abdullah used his radio to initiate a lockdown at the mosque, which also houses a primary school with 140 students. His quick thinking provided crucial time for children and staff to hide in classrooms and closets. Awad, whose wife teaches at the center, and Kaziha, the center's handyman and cook, heard the gunfire and ran towards the mosque to assist.

All three men succumbed to their injuries. The assailants fled the mosque after the incident. The attack has amplified concerns among Muslims across the United States amid a rise in Islamophobia. One mourner, who requested anonymity, described the day as "really difficult for our entire community."

The imam of the Islamic Center, Taha Hassane, addressed the crowd, stating, "Today is a message to everyone: Our community got hurt, but our community is standing strong and firm." The three victims are set to be buried together at a nearby cemetery later on Thursday.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by religious communities and the bravery of individuals who act to protect others. The investigation into the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing, with authorities treating it as a potential hate crime.