A security guard who lost his life protecting worshippers during a deadly shooting at a San Diego mosque is being remembered as a hero whose quick actions prevented additional casualties.
Amin Abdullah served as security at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where he welcomed visitors daily with warm smiles and the traditional Arabic greeting “as-salamu alaikum,” meaning “peace be upon you,” according to Mahmood Ahmadi, a regular mosque attendee.
While officials have not officially identified the three victims of the attack by two teen shooters, family friend Shaykh Uthman Ibn Farooq confirmed Abdullah’s identity after speaking with one of his sons as the family prepared funeral arrangements.
“He wanted to defend the innocent so he decided to become a security guard,” Farooq said.
Abdullah had served the mosque faithfully for more than ten years, showing up almost daily while supporting his wife and nine children, Farooq noted.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl praised the security guard’s response during Monday’s incident, though he did not mention Abdullah by name, stating the guard “played a pivotal role” in limiting the attack’s severity.
“It’s fair to say his actions were heroic,” the chief said Monday. “Undoubtedly he saved lives today.”
The Islamic Center of San Diego ranks among the area’s largest mosques, drawing thousands of visitors from throughout the region during significant religious holidays. Beyond hosting five daily prayers, the facility offers meals during Ramadan, operates an Arabic and Islamic studies school, and includes a retail store.
Abdullah grew up in a Christian household and shared his spiritual journey in a 2019 YouTube video, explaining how he embraced Islam after completing high school.
“My mother saw a change in me,” he said. “I’m starting to help out around the house, being more respectful, I got a job.”
Farooq recalled meeting Abdullah soon after his conversion to Islam during the 1990s. The two had recently traveled together on a pilgrimage to Mecca, where Abdullah maintained his positive demeanor despite becoming ill during the trip, Farooq remembered.
“Even when he was feeling ill, he was just a very light-hearted, genuine person, always smiling, always taking care of others,” Farooq said.
Josie-Ana Edenshaw vividly remembers her first encounter with Abdullah during her initial mosque visit. Feeling anxious and confused about parking, she watched as he approached to offer assistance.
Edenshaw described the community’s devastation over Abdullah’s death. According to messages in a congregants’ WhatsApp group, a teacher present during the shooting reported that Abdullah immediately radioed “active shooter” upon spotting the attackers, alerting staff and educators inside the building. The teacher was unavailable for comment.
“Every single day those kids had that amazing security guard that protected them,” Edenshaw said. “That’s something that’s going to impact them every single day for the rest of their life.”
Abbos Rakhmatov, a three-year mosque member who had been there that morning shortly before the shooting occurred, expressed his shock at the tragedy. He noted Abdullah’s serious approach to his responsibilities, regularly patrolling and inspecting the property.
“He was the model for everyone of us,” said Rakhmatov. “Always smiling, always caring about our community.”
