Students at the Islamic Center of San Diego are being praised for remaining calm and following active shooter training during a deadly attack that left three people dead outside the mosque.
According to NBC News, the attack happened Monday when two armed teenagers entered the mosque grounds and opened fire. Inside the building, dozens of children attending classes quickly followed lockdown procedures they had practiced during active shooter drills.
Imani, a teacher’s assistant for second and third graders, said the children reacted immediately after hearing gunfire.
“We told the kids this is not a shooting drill,” she said. “There is an active shooter, and let’s go.”
The students reportedly moved into a protected corner of the classroom, stayed low, locked doors and remained silent even as the gunmen allegedly banged on doors and attempted to enter rooms.
Authorities said no one inside the mosque was injured during the attack.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl said security guard Amin Abdullah confronted the shooters and activated the mosque’s lockdown system before being killed in a gunfight. Officials credited his actions with preventing the attackers from reaching areas where approximately 140 children were sheltering.
Two other victims, identified as Mansour Kaziha and Nader Awad, were fatally shot in the parking lot outside the mosque.
Police identified the suspects as Caleb Vazquez, 18, and Cain Clark, 17. Authorities believe the pair later died by suicide after fleeing the scene.
Investigators are reviewing a lengthy document allegedly linked to the suspects that reportedly contained anti-Islamic, antisemitic and anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, along with references to white supremacist extremist ideology.
Community members gathered Tuesday for a vigil honoring the victims and recognizing the bravery of those who helped save lives during the attack.
