The Islamic Center of San Diego had prepared its students for emergencies, much like schools across the U.S. When two armed teenagers attempted to attack the mosque on Monday, these preparations proved crucial. In one classroom, students responded immediately as they practiced during “active shooter” drills, according to a teacher’s assistant named Imani, who requested the use of only her first name.

Authorities report that three victims were outside the mosque. None of the children or other individuals inside suffered injuries, confirmed San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl. Among the victims was security guard Amin Abdullah, who fired at the attackers as they tried to enter the mosque. He activated the lockdown protocol using his radio, safeguarding dozens of students attending school there. Amin had been affiliated with the mosque for many years and was familiar with the safety system, noted mosque Imam Taha Hassane.

Wahl explained that Abdullah successfully “delayed, distracted, and ultimately deterred” the shooters. Imani recounted the moment gunfire was heard. Together with a colleague, she quickly informed the students of the situation, urging them to execute their practiced drills. They moved into a corner, keeping out of sight, and remained silent despite the attempts of the attackers to breach the classroom.

Security footage displayed the gunmen moving inside the mosque, yet failing to find students or others. Outside, they tragically killed Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad in the parking lot. Imani praised both men, crediting them with the survival of 140 individuals.

The gunmen, identified as Caleb Vazquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17, are believed to have taken their lives after leaving the mosque. Authorities are investigating their motives and examining a document they might have authored. This document expresses anti-Islamic, antisemitic, and anti-LGBTQ sentiments and promotes accelerationism, a violent ideology aimed at creating a white ethnostate, explained FBI official Mark Remily.