A former patient shot and killed a dentist in a shocking El Cajon, California incident.
Apparently, the perpetrator had planned the attack for weeks. The incident occurred at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics, a practice that specializes in dentistry and orthodontics.
The Incident
29-year-old Mohammed Abdulkareem entered a dental practice, dressed in black, and shot two men and a woman on Thursday afternoon. After the act, the shooter fled the scene in a U-Haul pick-up truck with Arizona license plates.
The El Cajon Police and first responders reached the scene in two minutes, confirmed one man’s death, and hospitalized two others in serious but stable condition.
Authorities later identified the slain dentist as Dr. Benjamin Harouni, a Jewish dentist who worked in the practice his father founded.
El Cajon, San Diego County — In a deadly shooting story not getting much media attention, suspect Mohammed Abdulkareem is accused of opening fire on a dental office, killing a Jewish dentist and injuring two others. Police say at this point there is no indication the shooting was… pic.twitter.com/y2LDVQwvS5
— Andy Ngô 🏳️🌈 (@MrAndyNgo) March 2, 2024
Background and Motive
The exact motives of the perpetrator are still unclear, but indications suggest that it was a premeditated act by a disgruntled former patient.
The police have identified Mohammed Abdulkareem as a suspect and have initiated a manhunt. Abdulkareem is considered armed and dangerous.
Reactions and Consequences
The act has caused dismay and sorrow in the local community and beyond.
Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics in El Cajon has a reputation for its preventive care and commits to maintaining healthy smiles for its patients.