Benjamin Harouni

Family and Personal Life

• Benjamin Harouni‘ father’s name is Dr. Jack Harouni and Benjamin Harouni‘ mother’s name is Not Available.
• Family Ties: Dr. Harouni worked alongside his father, Dr. Jack Harouni, at Smile Plus Dentistry, where they provided exceptional patient care together. The father-son duo shared a passion for dentistry and a commitment to excellence, exemplifying the power of family and collaboration in healthcare.

Mohammed Abdulkareem pictured (NBC San Diego)

Benjamin Harouni Trivia

• Benjamin Harouni was born in San Diego, United States.
• Benjamin Harouni’s birth sign is Sagittarius.
• Senseless Tragedy: Dr. Benjamin Harouni, a respected dentist at Smile Plus Dentistry in San Diego, was fatally shot at his office by Mohammed Abdulkareem, an alleged disgruntled former client. His untimely death has created a deep void in the community and among his loved ones, causing shock and grief.
• Fatal Outcome: Dr. Harouni was tragically killed in the shooting incident, leaving behind a devastated community and loved ones who mourn his untimely death. The loss of such a dedicated healthcare professional has reverberated throughout the San Diego area, highlighting the devastating impact of senseless violence on individuals and communities.
• Suspect Apprehended: Police quickly apprehended the suspect, Mohammed Abdulkareem, following the tragic incident on Thursday, February 29th, 2024. The arrest of the suspect provides a semblance of justice, but it does little to alleviate the pain and loss experienced by those who knew and admired Dr. Harouni.
• Educational Background: Dr. Benjamin Harouni pursued his passion for dentistry by earning undergraduate degrees in Natural Science and Political Science from the University of Southern California. His commitment to academic excellence paved the way for a promising career in dentistry, marked by compassion and professionalism.
• Professional Achievement: He continued his education at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery, and is committed to providing honest and quality dental care to his patients. Dr. Harouni’s dedication to his profession was evident in his constant pursuit of knowledge and unwavering concern for patient well-being.
• Community Impact: Dr. Harouni was well-known for his dedication to patient education and making dental visits enjoyable for his patients, resulting in strong community relationships. His friendly demeanor and genuine concern for his patients endeared him to many, leaving an indelible impression on those he served.
• Heartbreaking Loss: Emily Shar, an Iranian-American activist, shared the tragic news on social media, emphasizing Dr. Harouni’s Persian Jewish heritage while condemning antisemitism. The news of Dr. Harouni’s death sent shockwaves throughout the community, sparking discussions about prejudice and the importance of unity in the face of tragedy.
• Dedication to Dentistry: Dr. Jack Harouni, with over 35 years of experience, prided himself on delivering exceptional patient care, evident in his esteemed dental practice, Sacramento Spa Dentistry. His mentorship and guidance played a pivotal role in shaping Dr. Benjamin Harouni’s career and professional ethos.
• Continuing the Legacy: Dr. Benjamin Harouni joined his father’s dental practice, eager to contribute his knowledge and uphold the family’s dedication to providing excellent patient care. The father-son partnership continued a legacy of integrity, compassion, and dental excellence.
• Official Identification: San Diego County officials identified the shooting victim as 28-year-old dentist Benjamin Ariel Harouni, citing his professional status in the dental community. The official identification of Dr. Harouni demonstrated the tragedy’s devastating impact on the healthcare community and beyond.
• Medical Efforts: Despite medical intervention, Dr. Harouni succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. The valiant efforts of medical personnel to save Dr. Harouni’s life demonstrate their dedication and professionalism in the face of adversity.
• Community Response: The Chabad of Downtown San Diego mourned Dr. Harouni’s death, emphasizing his family’s contributions to the community and encouraging acts of kindness in his memory. The outpouring of community support reflects Dr. Harouni’s profound impact on those around him, leaving a legacy of compassion and service.
• Patient Shock: Patients arrived for appointments at Smile Plus Dentistry to find a scene of shock and confusion, unaware of the tragic events that had occurred. Dr. Harouni’s unexpected death sent shockwaves through the dental practice, leaving patients and staff reeling with grief and disbelief.
• Emotional Impact: Courtney Emerson, a patient, expressed shock at the shooting, recalling her own previous encounters with gun violence and emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such tragedies. The shooting took an emotional toll on the community, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the need for greater compassion and understanding.
• Seeking Closure: The community came together in support, with Rabbi Carlebach preparing to lead the funeral service to honor Dr. Benjamin Harouni’s memory and comfort his bereaved family members. As the community mourns the loss of Dr. Harouni, they band together to seek closure and justice for his senseless and tragic death.