Security guard killed in San Diego Islamic Center shooting remembered as a hero

U.S. Security guard killed in San Diego Islamic Center shooting remembered as a hero By Emily Mae Czachor, Emily Mae Czachor News Editor Emily Mae Czachor is a reporter and news editor at CBSNews.com. She typically covers breaking news, extreme weather and issues involving social justice. Emily Mae previously wrote for outlets like the Los Angeles Times, BuzzFeed and Newsweek. Read Full Bio Emily Mae Czachor, Michele Gile, Michele Gile Michele joined KCAL9 in 1990 as the Orange County reporter and she has loved it there ever since! She reports from the field for both KCAL9 and CBS2. Read Full Bio Michele Gile, Jonathan Vigliotti, Jonathan Vigliotti Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti is a CBS News correspondent based in Los Angeles. Vigliotti's reporting has taken him to more than three dozen countries and territories across six continents. Read Full Bio Jonathan Vigliotti, Kiki Intarasuwan Kiki Intarasuwan News Editor Kiki Intarasuwan is a news editor for CBS News & Stations. Read Full Bio Kiki Intarasuwan May 19, 2026 / 11:13 AM EDT / CBS News Add CBS News on Google A security guard who was killed Monday in a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego has been hailed as a hero for his courage during the attack. Three men were killed, including the security guard, but police said the tragedy, which is being investigated as a hate crime, could have been much worse without his intervention.None of the victims have been identified, nor have either of the two suspected gunmen, who were found dead inside a vehicle near the Islamic Center after the shooting. People who knew the security guard have spoken out about his life, describing him as a father of eight and remembering him for his kindness and valor."Because of his heroism and his courage, his bravery, and the love for his community and his faith, he saved a lot of lives," said Mayte Gutierrez, a former employee of the Islamic Center's school, which is attached to the mosque. Gutierrez told "CBS Mornings" on...