In a powerful and emotional statement, the man hailed as a hero for his actions during a terror attack at Sydney's Bondi Beach has spoken for the first time from his hospital bed.
Heroic actions and serious injuries
Ahmed Al-Ahmed, 43, was shot five times on Sunday evening as he bravely wrestled a firearm from one of the attackers at the popular beachfront location. Despite his severe injuries, his courageous intervention is credited with successfully disarming the assailant, potentially saving countless lives.
Speaking to TRT World from his hospital room, Mr Al-Ahmed delivered a poignant message, expressing his faith and thoughts for his family. "May Allah reward you and grant well-being," he began. "Through Allah, I went through a very difficult phase, only Allah knows it."
A plea for prayers and a mother's love
His thoughts then turned to his mother, making a heartfelt request for her prayers. "I ask my mother, the apple of my eye, to pray for me. Pray for me, my mother. God willing, it will be a minor injury." He concluded with a plea for divine assistance: "Pray for me that Allah eases our situation, and deliver us from this hardship."
The gravity of the incident and Mr Al-Ahmed's bravery have drawn attention from the highest levels of government in New South Wales. Premier Chris Minns personally visited Ahmed Al-Ahmed in hospital on Monday, underscoring the official recognition of his heroic conduct during the crisis.
Community response and ongoing investigation
This remains a developing story, with authorities continuing their investigation into the full circumstances of the Bondi Beach attack. The community's focus, however, remains firmly on the recovery of the civilian who risked everything to protect others.
His selfless act under extreme duress has sparked an outpouring of support and admiration, both locally in Sydney and across Australia, as the nation comes to terms with the events of that Sunday evening.
