Thousands Mourn Three Heroes Killed in San Diego Mosque Attack

A mass funeral prayer drew thousands to a San Diego park Wednesday for the three men shot dead at a local mosque on Monday, mourners calling them protectors who died shielding their community.

Three men were killed by gunmen at a San Diego mosque on Monday.
Thousands gathered at a city park Wednesday to recite a funeral prayer for the victims.
Mourners described the dead as men who placed themselves between the shooter and others.
The shooting is under active investigation by local and federal authorities.
Memorial services and community vigils are expected to continue in the coming days.

Thousands packed a San Diego park Wednesday to recite a funeral prayer for the three men killed when gunmen opened fire inside a local mosque on Monday, mourners honoring the dead as men who gave their lives to protect others.

Crowds standing shoulder to shoulder in the afternoon heat called the victims heroes. “They protected you guys,” one mourner told the crowd, according to accounts reviewed by the News.

The three men were shot dead during the Monday attack. Their names have been confirmed by family members present at the service. Investigators have not publicly named suspects or stated a motive as of Wednesday.

The FBI and San Diego Police Department are jointly working the case. Local officials attended the prayer gathering but did not address the crowd.

Community leaders said additional memorial services are planned for the coming days. Law enforcement briefings are expected before the end of the week.