On February 29, 2024, 28-year-old Dr. Benjamin Harouni, a dentist at Smile Plus Dentistry & Orthodontics in El Cajon, California, was fatally shot while at his workplace. The assailant, identified as 29-year-old Mohammed Abdulkareem, entered the dental office and opened fire, resulting in Dr. Harouni's death and injuries to two other individuals: a 27-year-old receptionist, Yareli Carrillo, who sustained gunshot wounds to her legs, and a man in his 40s, who was also injured. Both injured victims were transported to a local hospital and are expected to recover.
Abdulkareem, described as a disgruntled former patient of the dental practice, fled the scene in a white U-Haul pickup truck. Law enforcement utilized the city's license plate reader system to track the vehicle, leading to Abdulkareem's arrest near Balboa Park in San Diego later that evening. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a legally purchased handgun and several loaded magazines. He has been charged with multiple felony counts, including one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Dr. Harouni, a recent graduate of the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, was known for his dedication to providing honest and quality dental care. He worked alongside his father, Dr. Jack Harouni, at their family-run practice. The local community, along with family and friends, held a funeral and vigil to honor his memory, remembering him as a kind, generous, and driven individual who loved helping others.
In the wake of this tragedy, Dr. Harouni's family has initiated a foundation in his memory, aiming to support families of victims affected by violent crimes. The foundation, named "Hearts Over Hate," seeks to carry forward Dr. Harouni's legacy of compassion and service to the community.
The investigation into the exact motive behind the shooting is ongoing. While initial reports suggest that Abdulkareem was a disgruntled former patient, authorities are thoroughly examining all aspects of the case to determine if there were any additional factors contributing to this senseless act of violence. The community remains in mourning, seeking justice for Dr. Harouni and healing for the injured victims.
