Daijiworld Media Network – San Diego
San Diego, May 21: A tragic shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego has left three people dead, but the swift response of a security guard and the calm reaction of children during lockdown drills helped prevent a far greater disaster.
According to authorities, two armed teenagers stormed the mosque on Monday while nearly 140 children were inside attending classes. Police said all three victims were outside the building, while no children or staff inside the classrooms were injured.
Security guard Amin Abdullah reportedly confronted the attackers and opened fire after they attempted to enter the mosque premises. Before being fatally shot, Abdullah managed to trigger the mosque’s lockdown system through his radio, alerting teachers and staff about the active shooter situation.
Mosque officials said regular active shooter drills conducted at the centre played a crucial role in protecting the children. Teachers immediately locked classroom doors, moved students away from windows, and instructed them to remain silent as the attackers tried to force entry into different rooms.
A teaching assistant said the children followed every instruction calmly despite hearing gunshots and chaos outside. She described the students’ response as courageous and disciplined under extremely frightening circumstances.
Police Chief Scott Wahl stated that Abdullah’s actions delayed and distracted the attackers, preventing them from reaching areas where children were gathered. Authorities said surveillance footage showed the suspects moving through parts of the mosque but failing to gain access to occupied classrooms.
The attackers later shot dead two other men identified as Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad in the parking area before fleeing the scene. Police believe the suspects, identified as Caleb Vazquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17, later died by suicide.
Investigators are examining a lengthy document allegedly linked to the suspects that reportedly contained extremist anti-Islamic, antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ views. The FBI said the writings also referred to white supremacist ideology promoting violence.
Community members have hailed the victims, particularly Abdullah, as heroes whose actions saved dozens of lives during the attack.