Since details emerged about the attack targeting an Islamic centre in San Diego on Monday, tributes have continued pouring in for the mosque guard who shielded children from gunfire with his own body.
San Diego police announced that five people were killed in the attack on the Islamic centre, including the two teenage attackers and the mosque’s security guard.
According to police statements and multiple reports released later, the attack, which took place at approximately 11:45am local time while students were playing during recess in the Islamic school courtyard, could have resulted in a far greater massacre had it not been for the actions of Amin Abdullah.
Who Was Amin Abdullah?
According to statements shared by several imams, including Omar Suleiman, Amin Abdullah was an American convert to Islam who had worked as a security guard at the mosque in San Diego for many years.
Another imam, Sheikh Uthman Ibn Farooq, described him as a man of integrity and righteousness, saying he had known him personally for more than 20 years and had previously performed Umrah alongside him.
How He Protected the Children
American media reports stated that Amin noticed the attackers before they reached the gates of the Islamic centre.
He immediately ordered the facility gates to be closed and confronted the attackers directly until he was killed.
Witnesses said children from the Islamic school had been playing openly in the courtyard when the attack began. During Amin’s confrontation with the attackers, school staff managed to move the students into the buildings where they were able to shelter safely and survive.
Details of His Death
Witnesses reported that Amin was killed directly outside the main entrance of the Islamic centre, where police later found his body upon arrival.
Vanessa Chavez, a 46 year old neighbour who witnessed the shooting from her home window, said Amin was struck by at least two bullets.
“He Saved Many Lives”
Police confirmed that his actions “without doubt saved many lives” and prevented a much larger massacre inside the Islamic centre.
Imam Omar Suleiman also stated in a post on X that Amin played a decisive role in stopping the attackers from reaching the school children.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl described Amin as “a hero”, praising his actions as exceptionally brave.
Prominent members of the local Muslim community also paid tribute to him, describing his actions as courageous and honourable.
Residents living near the Islamic centre echoed the praise, with one neighbour stating that his actions proved “how incredibly brave he was”.
Community Support for His Family
Community activists launched fundraising campaigns to support Amin’s family in recognition of the sacrifice he made protecting the children and the Islamic centre.
The Islamic centre in San Diego also announced the establishment of an official support fund for the families of victims killed in the attack, including Amin’s family.
His Final Facebook Post
In the aftermath of the attack, many social media users shared what they described as Amin’s final Facebook post, in which he reflected on the meaning of success and prayed for a righteous ending.
The post read:
“What is success? For many people, success means financial stability, a good reputation, beauty and other worldly things. But for me, by Allah, true success is returning to Allah our Creator with the same pure soul He entrusted me with at birth. And that the angels of Allah say to me: ‘Do not fear and do not grieve, but receive glad tidings of Paradise which you were promised.’ O Allah, grant us a good ending. Ameen.”
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