A grieving daughter has paid tribute to her father, a security guard who was killed during the mass shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, describing him as “the absolute best dad in the world” and a man whose entire life was defined by service, protection, and love for his family.

The victim, identified as Amin Abdullah, was one of three people killed in the attack that took place on Monday, May 18, at the Islamic Center of San Diego. A father of eight, Abdullah worked as a security guard at the mosque and was widely known in the community for his calm presence, kindness, and unwavering commitment to keeping worshippers safe.

According to CAIR San Diego, Abdullah was among those killed when two teenage gunmen opened fire during a midday gathering at the mosque. The incident left the community devastated and triggered a broader investigation involving both local police and federal authorities.

At a press conference held the following day, Abdullah’s daughter, Hawaa Abdullah, spoke through tears as she remembered her father not only as a protector of the community but as the centre of her personal world. She described him as a role model, a best friend, and the most loving parent she could have ever imagined.

“To me, my dad was a role model,” she said. “He was a best friend. He was the best, absolute best dad in the world.”

She went on to recall how her father’s instinct was always to prioritize his children’s safety and wellbeing, no matter the circumstances. “He would stop whatever he was doing to make sure that I was safe,” she said, highlighting the deep bond they shared and the sense of security he provided throughout her life.

Community members echoed her sentiments, painting a picture of a man who was deeply woven into the daily life of the mosque. Worshippers and students described Abdullah as someone who greeted everyone warmly, often standing at the entrance to welcome families, children, and elders with a smile. He was known not only as a security guard but as a familiar and comforting presence.

“He greeted everyone who would come into the center,” said Mayte Gutierrez, a member of the community. “He was loved by the students and the teachers.”

Another community member, Sam Hamideh, described Abdullah as someone who consistently placed others before himself, especially the children who attended programs at the mosque. He referred to him as a man of extraordinary courage and compassion, saying his actions during the attack reflected a lifelong commitment to protecting others.

“He would always make sure the community was safe,” Hamideh said. “The one thing that makes me emotional is the valor of who he is—a man, a father, and a husband who cared about other kids, who cared about the community. That type of guy is a guy you would want to be.”

Authorities believe Abdullah played a critical role in limiting the scale of the attack. San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl stated that the security guard’s actions helped contain the gunfire to the front area of the mosque, preventing the attackers from reaching deeper into the building where children were present.

“At this point, I think it’s fair to say his actions were heroic,” Wahl said during a press briefing. “Undoubtedly, he saved lives today.”

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria also paid tribute to Abdullah, expressing gratitude for his bravery and acknowledging that his intervention likely prevented an even greater tragedy. Officials later suggested that his actions, along with those of the other victims, may have helped protect as many as 140 children who were inside the mosque at the time.

A fundraising campaign organized by CAIR San Diego on the platform LaunchGood has since raised more than $2.3 million to support the families of Abdullah and the other victims, reflecting the outpouring of grief and solidarity from the wider community.

Investigators confirmed that the two teenage suspects were later found dead from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a vehicle near the mosque. Law enforcement officials are continuing to examine the sequence of events leading up to the attack, including reports that one suspect’s mother had previously contacted police to report that her son was suicidal and that firearms and a vehicle were missing from their home.

Authorities also revealed that the shooting is being investigated as a hate crime, with evidence suggesting the suspects were influenced by hate rhetoric and extremist online content. The FBI has joined the investigation to determine the full scope of the suspects’ planning and communications.

Police said the attack occurred during Dhul Hijjah, a sacred month in the Islamic calendar regarded as one of the holiest periods of the year, adding another layer of emotional impact for worshippers who were gathered in prayer and community activities at the time.

As the investigation continues, Abdullah is being remembered not only as a victim but as a protector whose final actions likely saved countless lives. For his family, however, the loss is deeply personal and irreplaceable. His daughter’s words have become a defining tribute—capturing both the heartbreak of his absence and the enduring image of a father who dedicated his life to keeping others safe.

“He was the best, absolute best dad in the world,” she said once again, a simple sentence that now carries the weight of both grief and gratitude for a life defined by love and sacrifice.