SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – One of the victims in Monday’s shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego is being remembered as a hero for his actions as the situation unfolded.
Officials with the mosque identified security guard Amin Abdullah as one of the three people who lost their lives in the attack.
San Diego police Chief Scott Wahl said in a Monday news conference, “The security guard was able to help minimize the situation to the front area of the mosque … I think it’s fair to say his actions were heroic and undoubtedly, he saved lives today.”
Abdullah was described by those who knew him and interacted with him as a “great guy” and “the nicest man you’ll ever meet.”
In a social media post, Islamic Center of San Diego said, “Our beloved security guard who gave his life protecting the children and community members of our masjid. A courageous man who put himself on the line for the safety of others, who even in his last moments did not stop protecting our community.”
Sam Hamideh, a friend of Abdullah’s, said, "I truly know in my heart from knowing that man, that he was sacrificing his life and took that bullet knowing that I'd rather take it than the kids, and that ... is what makes me emotional."
Magdi Ahmed told ABC 10News that Abdullah “was one of the best, you know … always standing there, smiling at the people and ready to serve, and we never thought that he was going to be the first casualty.”
Edward Ahmed Mitchell, the National Deputy Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, told CNN, "This is a horrific tragedy, and it could have been much worse, if not for, thank God, the brave actions of Amin Abdullah, who did what he could to protect everyone inside and sacrifice his life in the process ... He was beloved before. He's even more beloved now. We pray for him. May God grant him peace and comfort his family."
An online fundraiser was established to help Abdullah’s family with funeral costs and other expenses at https://www.launchgood.com/v4/campaign/support_family_of_amin_abdullah_islamic_society_of_san_diego_martyr.
As of early Tuesday morning, $1.7 million has been raised.
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