The Syrian-born hero who disarmed one of the attackers during the Bondi Beach terror incident is suffering from injuries significantly worse than initially understood, his former lawyer has revealed.
A Courageous Confrontation
Incredible footage from the attack showed Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two and fruit shop owner, grabbing the assailant from behind and wrestling the firearm from his grasp. The brave civilian then pointed the weapon back at the terrorist's face. However, this act of immense courage came at a severe personal cost.
After the confrontation, while seeking shelter behind a tree, Mr Ahmed was shot. He sustained gunshot wounds to his shoulder and arm and remains under care at St George Hospital.
The True Extent of the Injuries
His former migration lawyer, Sam Issa, who visited him on Monday, provided a grave update to The Australian. Mr Ahmed is coping with five gunshot wounds and has undergone multiple surgeries. "It's a serious injury – far more serious than has been reported," Mr Issa stated.
The lawyer added that his client currently has no feeling in his arm, suggesting a bullet may have struck a nerve. In a puzzling detail, doctors had not yet removed a bullet lodged in the back of Mr Ahmed's shoulder as of Monday night. Mr Issa described the wound as 'weird', questioning, "Given the fact that he was facing the shooter, how did he get a bullet in the back of his shoulder? It's strange."
Recovery and Recognition
Ahmed al-Ahmed has been widely hailed for his selfless heroism, which undoubtedly saved lives during the Sunday evening attack. His swift actions to directly confront the gunman and seize his weapon were captured in heart-stopping video. The community's praise, however, is now coupled with deep concern for his lengthy and challenging road to recovery.
The incident has highlighted both the sudden threat of violence in public spaces and the extraordinary bravery ordinary citizens can display. As Mr Ahmed continues his treatment in hospital, the full impact of his injuries on his future health and livelihood remains uncertain.
