HomeAUBondi Local Opens Up About Disturbing Encounter with Armed Assailant

Bondi Local Opens Up About Disturbing Encounter with Armed Assailant

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“I recently watched a new video of myself during the Bondi incident,” Ahmed shared.

New looper of Ahmed Al Ahmed confrontation
Ahmed Al Ahmed said he found a different video of his confrontation with one of the Bondi gunmen. (Reuters)

“Viewing it transported me back to that day… I didn’t decide to be in that situation,” he continued.

“I made the choice to be brave. I chose to act with humanity. I chose to protect innocent lives,” Ahmed reflected.

“The experience of saving lives has transformed me forever.”

The footage, captured from a different perspective across the parking lot, depicts Ahmed seizing the weapon and directing it at the assailant.

The tobacco shop owner said he still “carries the memories of the trauma” but was proud of his heroic act.

He was shot several times during the deadly attack on December 14 after wrestling a firearm from one of the shooters.

“I am grateful to be alive. I am proud of what I did,” he added.

“And I will always stand for compassion, courage, and doing what is right.”

Ahmed travelled to the US last week for more treatment, where he was greeted by the FBI and given a hero’s welcome.

Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed
Ahmed said his health has declined while in the US. (Instagram/@ahmedalahmedsydney)

He was seen with his arm in a sling after suffering five gunshot wounds during the terror attack.

While in New York City, Ahmed provided an update to his social media followers and revealed his health had declined.

He shared footage of himself lying in a hotel room bed while surrounded by cameras and visitors.

“I was scheduled to attend several meetings, but due to the sudden swelling in my hand and the severe pain, I had to cancel them all,” Ahmed said.

Ahmed Al Ahmed arrives in USA for gunshot wound treatment
The 43-year-old seen arriving in LA. (Instagram/@ahmedalahmedsydney)

“When the pain returns after the medicine wears off, I feel discouraged.

“But when I remember that I did what I did to protect innocent people, and that so many people love me and are wishing for my recovery, I feel hope, optimism, joy, and strength rise inside me again.”

Ahmed was globally lauded as one of the several heroes who emerged from the Bondi massacre after the initial footage circulated online.

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