A heroic security guard died while trying to save others when a pair of teenagers opened fire at a mosque in California.
Amin Abdullah, a father of eight, was among those killed when Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego at around 11.40am on Monday.
He quickly sprang into action to protect others, Police Chief Scott Wahl said at a news conference.
‘We do believe the security guard was able to help at least minimize the situation to the front area of the mosque,’ Wahl said Monday night.
‘At this point, I think it’s fair to say his actions were heroic,’ he continued. ‘Undoubtedly, he saved lives today.’
Two others were also found dead outside the mosque when authorities responded to the scene and started searching for the suspects, who were later found dead inside a vehicle of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
Authorities said the chaotic chain of events began Monday morning when they received a phone call from a mother who reported that her teenage son had run away with several weapons.
She claimed he was suicidal and had left behind a note, the contents of which Wahl said he would not disclose – though he said authorities are now probing anti-Islamic writings suspects Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, left behind.
Amin Abdullah, a father of eight, was among those killed when Cain Clark, 17, and Caleb Vazquez, 18, opened fire at the Islamic Center of San Diego at around 11.40am on Monday
Police rushed to the scene following reports of a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego
‘That began to trigger a larger threat assessment picture,’ Wahl said. ‘Our threat management unit began to take the tips and leads that we had and utilize the technology we have available to us.’
The two teenagers had fled the scene following the shooting, but were found dead inside a vehicle a short time later of apparent self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
A landscaper at a house nearby was also shot during the rampage, but survived. It is believed a bullet ricocheted off of the helmet he was wearing at the time.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
