A HEROIC security guard who died trying to save worshippers after two teenage gunmen opened fire at a California mosque has been named.
The father of eight was among those killed when allegedly stormed the Islamic Center of San Diego.
Amin Abdullah, a security guard and father of eight, died saving worshippers during a mosque shooting Credit: Facebook/AminAbdullah
Police confirmed the guard’s heroic actions minimised casualties during the attack Credit: Facebook/AminAbdullah
Community members later identified the guard as Amin Abdullah, a long-time security guard at the mosque in Clairemont.
Police said he helped stop the massacre from becoming even worse as panic spread through the mosque and school campus.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said Abdullah rushed to protect others as chaos erupted inside the mosque at around 11.40am on Monday.
“We do believe the security guard was able to help at least minimize the situation to the front area of the mosque,” Wahl said.
“At this point, I think it’s fair to say his actions were heroic.
“Undoubtedly, he saved lives today.”
Dozens have since flooded his social media pages to praise the dad as a “true hero who gave his life to protect others.”
“The nicest man you’ll ever meet,” one mourner wrote.
“May Allah bless you.”
Authorities added Abdullah “played a pivotal role in assisting, this could have been worse.”
Wahl also praised the emergency response from officers who stormed the building moments after gunfire erupted.
“The heroic actions of the officers and deputies are beyond belief,” he said.
“To run toward gunfire without asking questions is remarkable.”
Fellow security guard Anees Faraj revealed the slain guard had eight children.
Faraj, who has worked security at the mosque on and off for more than a decade, said he narrowly avoided the bloodshed because he w2as not working that day.
Speaking through his daughter Basmah, who translated from Arabic, he told the Daily Mail: “A friend of mine, a regular worshipper at the mosque, told me about the news.
“It is very shocking.”
Faraj said he had never experienced anything like the horror attack during his years working at the mosque.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow…
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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