San Diego mosque attack tests faith, security and resilience
Two gunmen tried to storm the Islamic Center of San Diego; guardian Amin Abdullah, store manager Mansour Kaziha, and community member Nadir Awad died heroically protecting others as about 140 students and teachers sheltered inside. The attack underscores a surge in religiously motivated hate and Islamophobia in San Diego, with local leaders noting online radicalization and years of perceived indifference toward Muslim security concerns. CAIR reported record complaints nationwide, and past incidents like the Poway synagogue attack are cited as context. Officials vow increased protection for houses of worship, while community members mourn and call for stronger engagement to counter Islamophobia.