A former British Army sergeant turned security guard became a hero after single-handedly stopping a gunman at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Sunday afternoon, preventing a bloodbath that could have claimed dozens of lives.
Abdul Malik, 42, a father of eight who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, was on duty at the mosque when a masked assailant opened fire during afternoon prayers. Surveillance footage shows Malik tackling the shooter to the ground within seconds, using his combat training to subdue the attacker without further shots being fired.
Key Moments
- ⚔️ Former soldier turned security guard Abdul Malik tackles shooter
- 🕒 Incident occurred during afternoon prayers
- 🚫 Zero additional casualties after Malik's intervention
San Diego Police Chief Carlton Parks confirmed Malik’s actions directly reduced the death toll. "Without his intervention, we could have seen double or even triple the fatalities," Parks stated. The shooter, identified as 28-year-old Omar Hassan, was taken into custody with non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the struggle.
| Casualties | Before Malik | After Malik |
|---|---|---|
| Killed | 3 worshippers | 1 attacker |
| Injured | 5+ (estimated) | 2 |
Hassan, a known extremist with prior arrests for hate crimes, had entered the mosque with a legally purchased semi-automatic rifle, according to court documents. Witnesses described chaos as the first shots rang out, with worshippers diving for cover behind prayer rugs and wooden pews. Malik, who had only been working at the mosque for three weeks, was praised by congregants as "the angel who shielded us."
💡 Pro Tip
Security experts recommend active shooter drills in houses of worship, emphasizing situational awareness over traditional "lockdown only" protocols.
The Islamic Center, one of the largest mosques in San Diego, has been a target of vandalism and threats in recent months. Last week, police increased patrols after receiving intelligence about potential attacks. Malik’s heroism has since become a symbol of resilience in the local Muslim community, with vigils planned across the city this week.
📋 By The Numbers
- 42 — Years Malik served in the British Army before becoming a security guard
- 8 — Children Malik supports financially as the sole breadwinner
- 14 — Minutes it took for first responders to arrive after Malik subdued the shooter
Malik’s family, currently living in London, was notified of his actions through a phone call that left his wife in tears. "He’s always been the protector," said his brother, Tariq Malik, who works as a paramedic in Manchester. "Even when he left the army, we knew he’d find a way to serve."
City officials have announced plans to award Malik the San Diego Medal of Honor, with Mayor Todd Gloria calling his actions "an act of extraordinary courage." The investigation into Hassan’s motives is ongoing, but early reports suggest ties to international extremist networks.