Memoir Service Honors Three Heroes Killed in San Diego Mosque Shooting

A memorial service was held on Thursday morning for three community members who became local heroes after sacrificing their lives to stop a hate-motivated shooting at a San Diego mosque. The Janazah prayer took place at 11 a.m. In the parking lot of Snapdragon Stadium, honoring Amin Abdullah, Mansour Kaziha, and Nadir Awad, who died while trying to prevent two teenage shooters from causing further chaos at the Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD) and its affiliated school.

The Tragic Incident

The attack occurred on Monday around 11:43 a.m., according to the San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The victims were outside the ICSD when the two teenage attackers approached the mosque. Kaziha, known as AbulEzz, was a long-time community leader who had managed the mosque’s store for nearly four decades, as reported by CAIR. Awad, who lived across the street from the ICSD, rushed to the scene after hearing the gunfire, joining Kaziha in attempting to protect those inside the center.

“They were hiding in the parking lot near the kitchen,” said Hassane, a community member. “They tried to do something to protect, but unfortunately, they sacrificed their lives to protect the entire community inside the Islamic Center of San Diego.”

Community Response and Funeral Arrangements

The ICSD announced that a private funeral would follow the memorial service, with the mosque urging only close family and friends to attend. The organization emphasized unity and compassion during this difficult time, stating, “Let us come together in a way that reflects compassion, unity, and respect.”

Amin Abdullah’s daughter, Hawaa, shared her memories of her father, a security guard who died in the confrontation with the shooters. Her tribute underscores the personal toll of the tragedy, as the community grapples with the loss of three individuals deeply embedded in local life.

Rebuilding and Resilience

Following the attack, the Islamic Center of San Diego has reopened its doors, signaling a commitment to resilience. The center, which has served the community since 1986