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As the community continues mourning the victims of the deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego, one young survivor is now sharing the terrifying moments that unfolded inside the mosque during the attack.
The child, whose identity has not been publicly revealed, described scenes of panic and confusion as gunfire suddenly erupted outside the building while families and children were gathered nearby.
According to local reports, many worshippers initially thought the loud sounds were fireworks or construction noise — until screaming began and adults rushed children toward classrooms and locked areas inside the mosque.
The young survivor recalled hearing people yelling for everyone to get down and stay quiet while others desperately tried calling loved ones. Witnesses say several parents used their own bodies to shield children as chaos unfolded.
“It felt like forever,” the child reportedly told family members afterward.
Authorities say the attack claimed the lives of multiple adults, including a security guard praised for helping protect worshippers during the shooting. Officials believe his actions may have prevented even greater loss of life.