San Diego, CA – Security guard Amin Abdullah is being hailed as a hero for his actions during a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, May 18, 2026. Police officials stated that Abdullah's bravery "undoubtedly saved lives" by confronting the gunmen and preventing them from reaching a large group of children.

The shooting occurred shortly before noon at the Islamic Center of San Diego, the largest mosque in San Diego County. As law enforcement responded to initial reports, additional calls indicated active gunfire originating from nearby. The 51-year-old security guard was strategically positioned and appeared to play a critical role in mitigating the tragedy.

According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, Abdullah observed the threat after the gunmen passed him and immediately engaged them with gunfire. While exchanging fire, Abdullah managed to radio in the lockdown protocol for the mosque. His actions are credited with delaying, distracting, and deterring the suspects from accessing the main areas of the mosque, where approximately 140 children were located within close proximity.

Tragically, Abdullah died during the gun battle. The two other victims, Mansour Kaziha and Nadir Awad, were killed in a parking lot after drawing the suspects' attention. The intense police response forced the two suspects to flee the scene. Police Chief Wahl emphasized that "all three of our victims did not die in vain."

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) issued a statement Tuesday, calling Abdullah "the definition of a hero who bravely made the ultimate sacrifice to save others over himself." The organization noted that Abdullah risked his own life to alert those inside the mosque and school about the active shooter.

Hawaa Abdullah, the daughter of Amin Abdullah, spoke at a press conference Tuesday, describing her father as a staunch opponent of hate and a dedicated advocate for community safety. She stated he took his job very seriously to protect everyone at the center and remembered him as a loving father and son.

Imam Taha Hassane of the Islamic Center of San Diego described Abdullah as a "lovely person" who "never stopped smiling." He echoed the police chief's sentiment, stating that "if it was not for him, as chief mentioned, the carnage would be much worse." The Imam expressed immense pride in Abdullah's actions.

The shooting has prompted a significant law enforcement investigation. The focus remains on honoring the victims and understanding the full scope of the incident, while the community grapples with the loss and celebrates the heroic sacrifice of Amin Abdullah.