Students and Staff React Swiftly to Mosque Shooting

In San Diego, the Islamic Center of San Diego had undertaken measures similar to many U.S. schools, preparing its students for the unfortunate scenario of a gunman entering the premises. When two armed teenagers invaded the mosque on Monday, the previously rehearsed ‘active shooter’ drills became crucial. The students in one classroom executed the procedures as practiced. Their teacher’s assistant, Imani, commended their quick and calm response, suggesting it potentially changed the outcome of the situation.

According to authorities, the three individuals killed were outside the mosque, identified as the largest in San Diego County on its website. Luckily, nobody inside the center, including many students, was harmed, stated San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl.

Among the victims was security guard Amin Abdullah. Abdullah engaged the teens as they attempted to storm the mosque, using his radio to instigate a lockdown procedure, relayed Wahl. The mosque’s imam, Taha Hassane, confirmed regular lockdown drills at the center. Abdullah, familiar with the protocol after years of service, was instrumental in alerting teachers to the threat.

Abdullah’s actions of delaying, distracting, and ultimately deterring the attackers prevented their access to areas populated by up to 140 children, Wahl said.

Upon hearing gunfire, Imani and a colleague immediately recognized the danger, instructing the students that it was not a drill. The children diligently followed practice drill steps, gathering in a classroom corner, staying low, avoiding windows, and ensuring doors were locked. They maintained silence despite the gunmen’s attempts to breach doors.

Footage from inside showed the assailants moving from room to room, which were unoccupied. Eventually, two men, Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, were shot fatally in the parking lot, Wahl reported.

Imani spoke highly of the victims, considering them heroes for indirectly saving all 140 people inside. Authorities identified the gunmen as Caleb Vazquez and Cain Clark, who reportedly committed suicide following their escape. Investigations are ongoing regarding a 75-page document linked to them that presents anti-Islamic, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQ sentiments, indicating ties to a violent white supremacist ideology.

FBI official Mark Remily emphasized the perpetrators’ indiscriminate hate.

Morgan Chesky contributed from San Diego and Tim Stelloh from Alameda, California.