Ahmed Al Ahmed, the man hailed as a global hero for disarming a gunman during the Bondi Beach terror attack, has spoken publicly for the first time about his breathtaking actions. Mr Al Ahmed is now recovering in a penthouse suite at Sydney's Crown Casino after a public fundraiser netted him $2.5 million for his bravery.
The Night of Heroism at Bondi Beach
The incident unfolded on the evening of December 14 during a Jewish Hanukkah festival. When 50-year-old Sajid Akram opened fire on the crowd, Mr Al Ahmed rushed in without hesitation 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.
Dramatic footage of the confrontation, which showed Mr Al Ahmed leaping from behind a car to tackle the attacker, was seen around the world. "I did not worry about anything," he told Australian CBS News journalist Anna Coren in an interview set to air overnight. "My target was just to take the gun from him and to stop him from killing a human being and not killing innocent people."
Recovery and a New Life
Discharged from hospital last weekend, Mr Al Ahmed is now recuperating from major surgery to save his arm. He was spotted on Monday enjoying the sunshine on the balcony of his $1250-per-night suite at the Crown Towers hotel in Barangaroo, which offers sweeping views of Sydney Harbour. Still wearing a sling, he has been joined by his family as he adjusts to his sudden wealth and fame.
Despite the global acclaim, 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 Reunited and Future Uncertain
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 his recovery. Another sister in Syria is still seeking a visitor visa. His parents were already in the country on holiday when the attack occurred.
Last week, Mr Al Ahmed was presented with the $2.5 million cheque raised from more than 43,000 donations worldwide. Before the attack, he had planned to sell his tobacco shop in Sydney's Sutherland, and the business was sold while he was in hospital. According to his lawyer Sam Issa, he has no immediate plans for future work due to his injuries and the long recovery ahead. Doctors have removed a bullet and repaired nerve damage, but he may suffer permanent effects and require further surgery.
Reflecting on his split-second decision, Mr Al Ahmed described an overwhelming impulse to act. "I don't want to see people killed in front of me... and that's my soul asking me to do that," he said.
