Police in southern California arrested 29-year-old Mohammed Abdulkareem this week for going into a dentistry practice and allegedly murdering a Jewish dentist and shooting two other people.
Dr. Benjamin Harouni was shot and killed late Thursday afternoon at his SmilePlus Dentistry practice just outside of San Diego. Two other victims were also shot — a man and a woman — and were taken to local hospitals where they were listed in serious but stable condition.
The El Cajon Police Department said that Abdulkareem fled the scene in a white U-Haul rental pickup truck, but was located several hours later thanks to a vigilant citizen who alerted law enforcement.
“A short time later, officers located Abdulkareem in the area and took him into custody without incident,” police said in a statement. “Abdulkareem was found to be armed with a loaded handgun and several loaded handgun magazines. Records checks on the handgun later showed that it was legally purchased by Abdulkareem, just 2 weeks prior to the shooting.”
Abdulkareem was charged with multiple felony charges, including one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder, and was booked into the San Diego County Central Jail. Police said more charges could be forthcoming.
“The El Cajon Police Department mourns with the family and friends of the deceased victim and extends heartfelt condolences to those injured in yesterday’s senseless and evil act of violence,” said Chief of Police Mike Moulton. “I would like to extend my gratitude to our local, state, and national law enforcement partners who assisted us during this tragic event.”
Moulton said that federal law enforcement officials were involved in the investigation, including the FBI, U.S. Marshall’s Service Fugitive Task Force, and numerous local law enforcement agencies.
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On social media, there were widespread calls for law enforcement to investigate the murder as a hate crime.
San Diego shocking murder – Mohammed Abdulkareem, 29, was arrested after shooting & killing Jewish dentist, Dr. Benjamin Harouni, at his SmilePlus Dentistry practice in the El Cajon suburb.
Demand El Cajon Police investigate if antisemitism was a factor in this shocking crime -… pic.twitter.com/chBqrrRVH1
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) March 1, 2024