Security and Preparedness Thwart Tragedy at Islamic Center of San Diego

The Islamic Center of San Diego had trained students for potential threats. On Monday, those drills were crucial. Two armed teenagers entered the mosque, but the students followed the prepared protocol. Imani, a teacher’s assistant, noted the students acted quickly, preventing a worse outcome.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl confirmed no injuries occurred inside the mosque, though three people outside were shot dead. The mosque’s security guard, Amin Abdullah, tried to prevent entry by engaging the attackers and activating a lockdown, impacting the shooters’ path. There were approximately 140 children inside at the time.

Abdullah, who exchanged gunfire with the assailants, played a key role in delaying them. This allowed the center’s security measures to protect those inside. Imani and her colleague instructed the children to follow the practiced steps, ensuring their safety by having them move to a corner, avoid windows, and lock doors.

Despite the chaos, the students remained quiet, even when the attackers attempted entry. Imani commended the children’s bravery. Wahl noted the attackers couldn’t access populated areas. They found two victims, Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, outside and shot them.

The gunmen, Caleb Vazquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17, later took their own lives. Authorities are examining a document they might have authored, containing anti-Islamic and other extremist views. FBI official Mark Remily highlighted the indiscriminate nature of their hatred.