The man hailed as a global hero for disarming a gunman during the Bondi Beach terror attack has broken his silence in an emotional interview, as he begins a new chapter of life after a multi-million pound public donation.
From Hospital to High Life: A Hero's Recovery
Ahmed Al Ahmed was discharged from hospital over the weekend, just weeks after being shot multiple times during his breathtaking act of bravery on December 14. He is now recovering in a lavish penthouse suite at the Crown Towers hotel in Sydney's Barangaroo district, with views over the harbour.
The father of two was spotted on Monday enjoying the sunshine on the balcony of the suite, which reportedly costs $1,250 per night. He was still wearing a sling on his left arm, a visible reminder of the major surgery he underwent to save it after being wounded in the attack.
The Night of Terror and an Act of Courage
The incident unfolded at a Jewish Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach. When Sajid Akram, 50, opened fire on the crowd, Mr Al Ahmed rushed in to wrestle the shotgun from him. In the ensuing chaos, Akram's son, Naveed – who is accused of killing 15 people and injuring dozens more – allegedly shot Mr Al Ahmed several times.
Video footage of the confrontation, which showed Mr Al Ahmed leaping from behind a car to tackle the assailant, was seen around the world, sparking an online fundraiser that raised an astonishing $2.5 million (£2 million). He was presented with the cheque in hospital last week.
"I Did Not Worry About Anything": The Hero Speaks
In his first interview since the attack, set to air on US television, Mr Al Ahmed described his instinctive actions to Australian CBS journalist Anna Coren. The interview was filmed at the Crown Towers hotel where he is staying.
"I did not worry about anything," he said. "My target was just to take the gun from him and to stop him from killing a human being and not killing innocent people."
He recounted the moment he intervened: "I jumped on his back, hit him. I hold him with my right hand and start saying a word, you know, like to warn him, drop your gun, stop doing what you're doing, and it's come all in fast."
Despite being celebrated for saving countless lives, his thoughts remain with the victims. "I know I saved lots of people's lives, innocent kids and women and men," he said. "I know I saved lots - but I still feel sorry for the lost."
Family, Future and a Long Road Ahead
Mr Al Ahmed has been joined at the hotel by his family as he adjusts to his sudden wealth and fame. The federal government has stepped in to grant visas for his siblings to travel to Australia from Germany, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates to support him. Another sister in Syria is still attempting to secure a visa.
While doctors have removed a bullet from his shoulder and repaired nerve damage, he may suffer permanent injury and could require further surgery. His lawyer, Sam Issa, stated that given the extent of his injuries and the long recovery ahead, Mr Al Ahmed has no immediate plans for his next job.
Before the attack, he had planned to sell his tobacco shop in Sydney's Sutherland area, and the business was sold while he was in hospital recovering. The $2.5 million from the fundraiser, which attracted over 43,000 donations globally, now offers him security as he focuses on healing.
