San Diego Mosque Shooting Claims Three Lives

In San Diego, California, three men—Amin Abdullah, Nadir Awad, and Mansour Kaziha—were killed Monday during a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego. Imam Taha Hassane identified Abdullah as a security guard who died while protecting over 200 people, using a radio to alert a school within the center to lock down. Awad and Kaziha died in the parking lot while attempting to divert the shooters.

Abdullah, also known as Brian Climax, was a beloved figure who warmly greeted visitors. Awad regularly attended prayers and Kaziha, called “AbbulEzz” by congregants, dedicated forty years to the mosque, managing logistics and preparing food. Federal authorities are investigating the shooting as a hate crime and recovered a manifesto from the deceased suspects containing hateful rhetoric.

As of Tuesday afternoon, donation funds for the victims’ families exceeded $2.5 million. While the mosque had implemented safety measures like drills and cameras, advocates note a recent surge in anti-Muslim incidents, with one group reporting an eleven-fold increase in threats since January. The investigation continues and the community prepares for funerals, seeking to honor the victims and promote tolerance.