Effective Response Averts Tragedy at Islamic Center of San Diego

In a situation faced by many schools and institutions in the U.S., the Islamic Center of San Diego implemented its active shooter drills when danger struck on Monday. Two armed teenagers attempted to storm the mosque, which acts as a center of education and community. The students, well-prepared through regular drills, applied their training instantly. ‘They went straight to business,’ said Imani, a teacher’s assistant for second and third graders, emphasizing the importance of these practices.

Authorities confirmed that although the shooters claimed three lives at the mosque, all the victims were outside. No injuries occurred among the many students inside. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl noted the actions by security guard Amin Abdullah, who engaged with the teens and relayed a lockdown protocol through his radio, were crucial in safeguarding those inside.

The mosque, known as the largest in San Diego County, regularly conducts lockdown drills. Imam Taha Hassane emphasized the importance of such preparations, stating that Abdullah, who had been with the center for many years, was familiar with the emergency protocols.

When the sound of gunfire erupted, Imani reacted promptly with her colleague, signaling the students about the grave situation. ‘This is not a shooting drill,’ she informed them. The students calmly followed their rehearsed procedures: they gathered in a corner, remained low to avoid potential harm from windows, and ensured doors were secured. They stayed silent even as the attackers tried to breach the doors.

Security footage showed the gunmen attempting to enter various rooms, finding each one empty. Tragically, the shooters encountered Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad outside in the parking lot and fatally shot them. Imani expressed deep admiration for these victims, praising their sacrifice as being the reason behind the safety of all inside.

Authorities identified the attackers as Caleb Vazquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17. Both suspects reportedly ended their own lives following the attack. Investigators are examining a 75-page document potentially authored by them that contains anti-Islamic, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, underpinned by accelerationism. FBI official Mark Remily stated that the individuals harbored a broad spectrum of hate.

Reporters Morgan Chesky and Tim Stelloh contributed to this report from San Diego and Alameda, respectively.