Amin Abdullah’s sons honor dad killed while protecting 140 children at San Diego mosque

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA: The sons of mosque security guard Amin Abdullah are mourning a father they describe as kind, fearless and completely devoted to protecting others after he was killed stopping armed attackers at a San Diego mosque earlier this week.

On Monday, Abdullah, 51, was shot and killed after confronting two gunmen outside the Islamic Center of San Diego.

Police say his actions helped save nearly 140 children inside the mosque school after he managed to trigger a lockdown before dying from his injuries.

Amin Abdullah’s sons say their father died a hero 

For Abdullah’s eldest son, Muhammad Amin Abdullah, the shock of losing his father still feels unreal.

“When I learned about it, I couldn’t believe it. It didn’t feel real,” the 28-year-old said.

But amid the grief, he said there was also comfort in knowing how many lives his father may have saved.

“When I learned that his actions saved all the kids … I felt comfort because I know that’s exactly how my dad would have wanted to go out — protecting people,” he added.

According to investigators, Abdullah exchanged gunfire with the attackers after they rushed toward the mosque school while dozens of children were inside.

Even after being wounded, police say he managed to radio a warning that led to the building being locked down before the gunmen could reach the classrooms.

Authorities are investigating the attack as a hate crime.

Two other community members - 78-year-old mosque elder Mansour Kaziha and neighbor Nadir Awad, 57 - were also killed during the shooting.

Family says Amin Abdullah spent his life serving others

To Abdullah’s sons, their father’s final act of bravery was not surprising.

“He was on the front line trying to defend kids and innocent people,” said his son Khaled Abdullah, 24. “Calling him a hero is the least we can do.”

His youngest son, Jibreel, 21, became emotional while speaking about the father he called his “best friend.”

“He was the kindest person you’d meet,” he said quietly. “Ask anybody — nobody would have a bad thing to say about my dad. Best dad you could ask for.”

Friends and neighbors described Abdullah as a calm and gentle man who spent years helping protect the mosque community.

Mosque community mourns loss of quiet protector

As preparations continue for Abdullah’s funeral prayers, the family home has become filled with mourners offering condolences and sharing stories about the man many simply knew as a protector.

His children said he constantly reminded them to show kindness to everyone, regardless of religion, background or beliefs.

“Live your life serving others,” Muhammad said while reflecting on the lessons his father taught him. “Just be kind to everybody. The world would definitely be a better place if people lived like that.”

Their sister Hawaa also shared an emotional tribute earlier this week, saying her father always stood firmly against hate in every form.