San Diego mosque shooting: Who were the three victims killed in the attack?

Three members of the Islamic Center of San Diego community were killed after two armed suspects opened fire on a mosque complex in San Diego’s Clairemont neighborhood on May 18, in what authorities are investigating as a possible hate crime.

Police said the shooting happened around 11:43 a.m. local time before the two suspects — identified as 18-year-old Caleb Vasquez and 17-year-old Cain Clark — later died of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds after fleeing the scene.

Officials said the actions of the victims, particularly mosque guard Amin Abdullah, likely prevented a much deadlier mass shooting involving children inside the complex.

Security guard Amin Abdullah hailed as a hero

Amin Abdullah, also known to friends as Brian Climax, was identified as the mosque security guard who confronted the attackers during the shooting.

According to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl, Abdullah immediately engaged the suspects in a gunfight after spotting the threat in the mosque’s parking lot.

“His actions undoubtedly delayed, distracted and ultimately deterred these two individuals from gaining access to larger areas of the mosque where up to 140 children were within 15 feet of these suspects,” Wahl said during a press conference.

Police said Abdullah also broadcast an emergency radio call that triggered the mosque’s lockdown procedures and gave teachers and children time to take cover behind locked doors.

Describing Abdullah’s response as “heroic,” Wahl said authorities later realized the extent of the tragedy, which was likely preventable.

The mosque paid tribute to Abdullah in a statement, urging him:

“Our beloved guardian who laid down his life protecting the children and community members of our mosque.”

Nadir Awad remembered as a longtime member of the community

The second victim was identified as Nadir Awad, who lived across the street from the mosque.

Imam Taha Hassane said Awad was a deeply respected member of the local Muslim community.

While police have not released full details of his final moments during the attack, officials said all three victims played a role in slowing or distracting the gunmen as chaos unfolded inside and outside the mosque complex.

Community members described Awad as a well-known and trusted figure in the Islamic center.

Mansour Kazlha served the mosque for decades

The third victim, Mansour Kazlha, reportedly worked at the Islamic center for nearly 40 years.

Imam Hassane said that Kazlha was considered one of the foundational figures of the mosque community and that he had dedicated decades of service to the center.

The mosque described him as: “Another pillar, the foundation of our mosque, whose dedication, service and love helped build and strengthen this community from the very beginning.

Officials said Kazlha was among those who helped distract the attackers during the incident before police arrived.

The attack is being investigated as a possible hate crime

The FBI and San Diego police are investigating the shooting as a possible hate crime.

FBI Special Agent Mark Remily confirmed that one of the suspects left a manifesto, although investigators have not released details about its contents.

Reuters reported that “anti-Islamic writings” were allegedly found in a vehicle associated with the suspects.

Authorities said about 140 children were housed at the mosque at the time of the attack through Bright Horizon Academy, located in the Islamic Center complex.

Police credited the quick actions of mosque staff, security personnel and lockdown procedures for preventing what could have been a much larger massacre.

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