A security guard was killed while protecting children and staff during a mass shooting at a San Diego mosque on Monday (May 18).

Amin Abdullah was one of three people killed during a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, according to NBC News. He was the security guard on duty at the time of the shooting, during which dozens of students were in class at the school attached to the mosque.

San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said that Abdullah "played a pivotal role in keeping this from being much worse” and described his actions as “heroic” during a Monday press conference.

An imam from the Islamic Center told the outlet that all teachers, students, and school staff members at the mosque were safe as a result of Abdullah’s actions.

At this time, the two other victims have not yet been identified.

The San Diego branch of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) started a fundraiser to support Abdullah’s burial costs and his children’s education. At the time of writing, the fundraiser has received over $1.6 million toward its $2 million goal.

“In plain words: Amin put himself between the gunmen and everyone inside,” the fundraiser page reads. “Teachers, staff, and more than a dozen children were walked safely out of that building by police that afternoon, hand in hand. They are alive because Amin did his job.”

Members of the community described Abdullah as energetic, strong, and professional, and remembered him as someone who always greeted anyone who walked through the mosque doors with a smile.

“He wasn't just a guard. He was the first face of that community to anyone who came through the door — and the last line of defense when it mattered most,” the page reads. “You do not have to share Amin's faith to stand with his family. You only have to believe that a man who died shielding children would be proud to know that his own children will be cared for.”

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