India, May 19 -- Amongst the three people killed in the shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego was a security guard, Amin Abdullah, who is believed to have taken action that minimized the carnage, according to San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl.

Authorities say the attack unfolded outside the mosque in San Diego's Clairemont neighborhood, where Abdullah was working security when gunfire erupted.

Wahl said, "We do believe the security guard was able to help at least minimize the situation to the front area of the mosque."

Wahl stated that it seems the guard acted quickly; however, investigators haven't yet sorted through all the information.

"I think it's fair to say that his actions were heroic at this point," Wahl remarked. "Undo...