He sacrificed his life': security guard killed in San Diego mosque attack hailed as hero

Two teenagers opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three men. The attackers, aged 17 and 18, were later found dead several blocks away from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Amin Abdullah, a 51-year-old security guard, noticed the threat and began engaging the shooters with gunfire. While the gun battle continued, Abdullah reached for his radio and activated the center’s lockdown protocol. Police said his actions delayed, distracted, and deterred the attackers from reaching areas where up to 140 children were nearby. Mansour Kaziha, a mosque elder and founding member, and Nadir Awad, a 57-year-old neighbor, were also killed after drawing the attackers’ attention. Kaziha called 911, and both victims were cornered in the parking lot area.

"“Abdullah immediately observed the threat to everybody at the mosque and began to engage them with gunfire. Both suspects returned fire,” Wahl said. “In the midst of the gun battle Abdullah reached for his radio, and put out the lockdown protocol for the center.”"

"“His actions without a doubt delayed, distracted and ultimately deterred these two individuals from gaining access to the greater areas of the mosque where as many as 140 kids were within 15ft of these suspects,” Wahl said. “Tragically, he died in that gun battle.”"

"“On Tuesday, Wahl said that Kaziha and Awad drew the attention of the attackers and drew them back out into the parking lot area. Kaziha, Wahl said, was the first one who called 911.”"

"“I want to be very clear, all three of our victims did not die in vain,” Wahl said. “Without distracting the attention, without delaying the actions of these two individuals, without question, there would”"

Read at www.theguardian.com