San Diego Mourns Three Men Killed in Mosque Attack

Over 2,000 people gathered in San Diego, California, to mourn Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nadir Awad. Mourners performed the Janazah, an Islamic funeral prayer, remembering the three men as heroes. They delayed and distracted attackers, potentially preventing more deaths at the mosque, which includes a school for children.

The men lay under cloths near a river and soccer stadium as attendees chanted in Arabic. Imam Taha Hassane noted attendees traveled from across the country to attend the service. Police say Abdullah, 51, initiated a lockdown with his radio during a gun battle.

Kaziha, 78, the center’s handyman, and Awad, 57, ran towards the sound of gunfire and were also fatally shot. The FBI investigates the killings as a possible hate crime amid increasing Islamophobia.

Ruba Abu Jamah questioned why a suspect’s mother allegedly allowed access to firearms knowing her son struggled with depression. The investigation continues to determine all factors surrounding the attack and the assailants’ motives.