Local Man Remembered as Hero After Mosque Shooting Incident

May 19, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Local Man Remembered as Hero After Mosque Shooting Incident

Amin Abdullah, a security guard at the Islamic Center of San Diego, lost his life on May 18 while attempting to stop two teenage gunmen from storming the mosque. The attackers fired multiple shots, resulting in three fatalities.

According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, Amin’s actions likely saved many lives, including children. Wahl described Amin as a hero whose bravery prevented potential harm.

The writer of the article knew Amin personally and had previously worked with him at a dental office. They recalled Amin’s enthusiasm for working in security and his dedication to protecting others.

Amin was born to an African American mother and identified as Muslim, but also embodied American values. He had recently started working as a security guard at the Islamic Center of San Diego, where he was familiar with the mosque’s layout and security measures.

The writer attended a funeral prayer at the Islamic Center of San Diego in December, where they noticed Amin working as a security guard for the first time. They were surprised to see him in this role, given that they had not previously encountered him in his new capacity.

Amin’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the community. His actions on May 18 have been recognized as heroic, and he is remembered for his bravery and dedication to protecting others.

Source: Al Jazeera