Amin Abdullah, the security guard who was killed during the terrorist attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, is being widely praised for preventing a massacre of Muslim worshippers, especially children, by two gunmen in the western US city.
Abdullah, a longtime security guard at the mosque and a school complex, was killed when two shooters, identified by law enforcement sources as 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez, attacked the Islamic centre.
Abdullah is said to have confronted the attackers at the entrance, stood his ground, and helped prevent them from reaching children and staff inside the mosque compound.
The attack killed worshippers Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad. Both terrorists were later found dead in a vehicle from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Police Chief Scott Wahl, who has described the violent attack as "every community's worst nightmare" called Abdullah's actions "pivotal" in preventing more bloodshed.
"We do believe the security guard was able to help at least minimise the situation to the front area of the mosque," Wahl continued.
"At this point, I think it's fair to say his actions were heroic," Wahl added. "Undoubtedly, he (Abdullah) saved lives today."
Monday marked the start of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar and one of its most sacred periods.
Wahl stated the attack is being investigated as a hate crime involving "hate rhetoric". Authorities are examining anti-Islamic writings found in the attackers' vehicle.
He 'put himself between the gunmen and everyone inside'
Abdullah, a father of eight and a revert to Islam, had served at the centre for over a decade.
Community members described him as a familiar, friendly face who greeted worshippers and was known for his welcoming smile.
He was inspired by the 2019 terror attacks on Christchurch mosques in New Zealand to take on the security role specifically to "defend the innocent."
San Diego police and officials of Muslim advocacy group, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), credited Abdullah actions with saving lives and keeping the tragedy from being far worse. He has been described as "heroic" and a "protector" who "put himself between the gunmen and everyone inside."
Tributes have poured in from the Muslim community and beyond.
A LaunchGood fundraiser for his family has raised more than $1.5 million.
American Imam and aurhor, Omar Suleiman, and others highlighted his sacrifice during the blessed days of the Islamic calendar.
Sharing Abdullah's final social media post, Suleiman wrote: "Brother Amin Abdullah was the guard at the mosque in San Diego for years. He was instrumental in stopping the shooters from reaching the children today. This was his final post on Facebook. On these holiest days, may Allah have mercy on him and accept him as a martyr. Ameen."
Abdullah's post reflected his deep faith and desire to "return to Allah with a pure soul", which many have noted as prophetic given the circumstances of his death while protecting others at the Islamic centre.
"What is success? To many people success is financial stability, good reputation, beauty, etc. As for ME! Wallahi, thumma Wallahi. It is returning back to Allah OUR creator with the same pure soul he loaned me at birth. Having the Mala'ikah of Allahu ta'ala saying 'don't fear and don't grieve, but receive the glad tidings of Jannah which you were promised by the Most forgiving and Most Merciful.' May Allahu ta'ala grant us Husnal Khatimah, AAAAMEEEEN," the slain guard wrote on May 5.
Abdullah 'wanted to defend the innocent'
Another video of Abdullah is being widely shared online as communities mourn his death.
The footage captures Abdullah discussing his fondness for halal hamburgers from Babaz Grill during an Eid interview, offering insight into the individual now being commemorated as hero.
The Islamic centre has called him "a courageous man who put himself on the line of the safety of others, who even in his last moments did not stop protecting our community".
"Amin was loved by everybody, he stood there day after day, always smiling, welcoming everybody, welcoming the kids who came to the school. He was a shining light. He is a true hero, a martyr," a CAIR official told BBC.
Shaykh Uthman Ibn Farooq, a friend of the family told the Associated Press that Abdullah "wanted to defend the innocent so he decided to become a security guard."
Sam Hamideh, who knew Abdullah through the mosque told US media that the guard would be remembered for his kindness.
"It didn't matter who walked up... any random person could just walk up and, like, [Abdullah] would greet them, make sure they are OK," Hamideh said. "Whether they were homeless off the street looking for something, whether it was a child or elderly."
Hamideh, whose son attends the school next to the Islamic centre, said that Abdullah would have done anything to help the people inside.
"Even when the day was going wrong you could just smile ... he just had that kind of heart and he always really cared," Hamideh said.
