News

Two men died trying to save others during the San Diego mosque shooting.

ES
Elena Sterling
Official Publisher

Join the conversation

React with your take and see what people think below.

Two men died trying to save others during the San Diego mosque shooting.

Nader Awad and Mansoor Kazziha were killed alongside a security guard while rushing to protect their neighbors from gunfire.

It is hard to imagine the terror of a quiet place of worship turning into a scene of violence. For the families of those lost, the pain is made worse by the sudden loss of men who chose to run toward danger to save others.

WHAT HAPPENED

On Monday, a shooting at an Islamic center in San Diego left three men dead. Nader Awad and Mansoor Kazziha were identified as victims alongside security guard Amin Abdullah.

Police say the two suspects are 17-year-old Cain Clark and 18-year-old Caleb Vazquez. Reports indicate one suspect took a gun from his parents' home and left a note about racial pride.

Witnesses say Kazziha, a long-time community member, ran from his home toward the mosque when he heard the shots. Awad reportedly died while trying to shield his wife, who taught at the school inside the building.

What the money/evidence shows

  • Three men were killed in the attack.
  • Two suspects, aged 17 and 18, are in custody.
  • One suspect allegedly left a note citing racial pride.
  • Over $2 million was raised for the family of Amin Abdullah.
  • Nearly $1 million was raised for the other victims and their families.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

We have to ask how two teenagers were able to access a weapon and form such hateful views. When a tragedy like this happens, we often look for a single cause, but the reality is usually a mix of broken systems and lost youth.

Are we doing enough to spot the warning signs before a child decides to commit a crime like this? It is a question that communities across the country are now forced to face.

THE OTHER SIDE

Legal teams for the two suspects have not yet provided a full public defense regarding the specific claims about the suicide note or the motive. The strength of the case will depend on how the evidence of the note and the weapon's origin holds up in court.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

For the people of San Diego, the focus is on healing and supporting the families left behind. The massive amount of money raised shows that the community wants to stand with those who lost their loved ones.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

  1. How did the suspects plan the attack?
  2. Were there any other people who knew about the plan beforehand?
  3. What specific steps will the school and mosque take to improve security?

SOURCE NOTE

All charges are allegations - Cain Clark and Caleb Vazquez are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Transparency notes

Published: May 19, 2026. No major post-publication update has been logged.

Spot an error or missing context? Email hi@kindjoe.com and we will review and correct if needed.

Sources

External source links were not provided in this article body. Our editors reference publicly available materials and update stories as new verified information arrives.

What's your take on this story?

Vote before the outcome is known and compare your call with the crowd.

General

Will Two men died trying to save others during the San Diego mosque shooting.?

Two more victims of the San Diego mosque shooting have been identified as men who died while trying to protect their community from the gunmen.

Posted 1d ago

Open
0 total votesChoose one option

Replies

Loading comments…