Ahmed Al Ahmed, the man hailed as a hero for disarming a gunman during the Bondi Beach massacre, has departed Australia for the United States to begin the next phase of his treatment and recovery.
Journey to Recovery Begins in America
Mr Al Ahmed, a Syrian national living in Australia, posted a video on his Instagram account on Monday showing himself at Los Angeles airport. The clip, filmed just before he approached border security, featured a sign reading 'Welcome to the United States' in the background.
He captioned the video: 'On my way to start my treatment journey in the United States. I kindly ask everyone to keep me in their prayers. Thank you for your love and support.' He also shared a selfie with Qantas flight attendants in business class.
The exact nature of his treatment remains confidential, but it is understood to be related to the severe arm injury he sustained on December 14. During the attack at Bondi Beach, which targeted Jewish families celebrating Hanukkah, Mr Al Ahmed wrestled a gun from terrorist Sajid Akram.
Controversy and Cancelled Media Plans
The US trip follows a very public disagreement with Sky News Australia. The broadcaster claimed it had arranged a luxury hotel suite for Mr Al Ahmed and recalled staff from Christmas leave for a planned interview with host Sharri Markson.
According to Sky News, Mr Al Ahmed withdrew at the last minute. The channel's head of programmes, Mark Calvert, wrote that the hero had given a 'solemn promise' the interview would proceed, but later failed to appear.
Mr Al Ahmed responded on Instagram, accusing Sky News of publishing a report that 'does not fully reflect the facts and contains selective information'. That post was later deleted. His media lawyer, Ian Robertson, stated his client was 'less than thrilled with Sky News' and that the intense media scrutiny had added significant stress during his recovery.
Legal Hurdles and High-Profile Support
Mr Al Ahmed's travel to the US is notable given severe travel restrictions imposed on Syrian nationals under laws announced last year. His eligibility to enter the country would depend on his specific reason for travel and whether he secured the correct visa.
He continues to receive widespread support. US President Donald Trump was among world leaders who praised his courage. Last week, he was visited in his Sydney hotel suite by Israel's Ambassador to Australia, Amir Mamon, and NSW Premier Chris Minns.
He has also been presented with a $2.5 million cheque from a global fundraiser supported by over 43,000 donations. His family have been granted visas to join him in Australia, and his Sydney tobacco shop was sold while he was in hospital.
The alleged attacker, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police. His son, Naveed Akram, who was critically injured, faces 59 charges including 15 counts of murder.
