Ahmed Al Ahmed, recognized for his bravery during the Bondi terror attack, found himself overwhelmed with emotion as he faced serious allegations in court. He vehemently denied accusations of assaulting and intimidating his father, asserting that these claims are part of a calculated effort by his family to extort money from his $2.6 million GoFundMe campaign.
The 44-year-old hero was served with a court attendance notice on Wednesday concerning alleged domestic violence, specifically common assault and intimidation intended to create fear of physical harm. These allegations stem from an incident reported to have occurred on March 9 at a residence in Bankstown and subsequently reported to the authorities nearly a week later. Ahmed is scheduled to present his case at Bankstown Local Court on July 29.
According to police reports, during the altercation, Ahmed allegedly put his elderly father in a headlock. In response to these allegations, an Apprehended Violence Order has been issued in favor of his father. This order restricts Ahmed from engaging in assaulting, stalking, harassing, or any form of contact with his father. He is also mandated to maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from his father’s home and workplace.
Police allege Ahmed placed his elderly father in a headlock during the incident.
An Apprehended Violence Order has also been taken out on behalf of his father, preventing Ahmed from assaulting, stalking, harassing or contacting him. He must also remain at least 100 metres away from his father’s home and workplace.
Speaking to 2GB’s Ben Fordham on Friday, Ahmed denied the allegations and became emotional as he claimed he was the victim of an extortion campaign by family members over the fortune donated to him following the Bondi attack.
He claimed the dispute began in February after tensions arose over money from his recovery fundraiser, after two of his brothers came from overseas to support him in Australia.
‘They’ve harassed and abused me and pushed to get money from me before they leave Australia, because I’ve been sponsoring them and brought them to Australia,’ Al Ahmed claimed.
Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed broke down in tears on 2GB, denied assaulting his father and claimed family members tried to extort him over his $2.6million GoFundMe fund
Ahmed Al Ahmed claimed his brothers demanded $100,000 each from his recovery fund and that the charges against him are ‘100 per cent payback’ after he went to policeÂ
2GB host Ben Fordham questioned how Ahmed, who suffered serious injuries in the Bondi attack, could have allegedly put someone in a headlock
Ahmed alleged both his brothers demanded $100,000 each, while he claimed his father had asked for half the money raised through the GoFundMe campaign.
Ahmed said his brothers travelled to Australia on three-month visas but alleged they later refused to leave.
Ahmed claimed the relationship with his father deteriorated after he reported his brothers’ alleged extortion attempts to police.
He alleged his father became angry and pressured him through other family members to withdraw the police complaint against his brothers.
‘He start like sending messages with, with my sister, and he [said] either withdraw the case against the brother, or he will go against me.’
Fordham questioned how Ahmed, who continues to suffer the effects of serious injuries sustained in the Bondi attack, could have allegedly placed someone in a headlock.
‘I’ve seen you at an event where you’re trying to hold a microphone while answering questions. How were you able to put someone in a chokehold – did police have any evidence?’
Ahmed said police did not have any evidence and had only contacted him through his lawyer.
Ahmed Al Ahmed was hailed a hero after the Bondi terror attack when he wrestled a gun from one of the alleged gunmen, helping stop further bloodshed
He suffered serious injuries after wrestling the gun from the terrorist and still has shrapnel lodged in his armÂ
‘It’s extortion, and 100 per cent it’s a pay back, that’s what I’m going to call it,’ Ahmed said.
After hearing Ahmed’s account, Fordham said he was unconvinced by the allegations and questioned why police had pursued the matter.
‘Guess what? I don’t believe your brothers, I don’t believe your dad, I don’t believe any of them, and I can’t believe that police took this seriously. But then again, maybe the police have just got to do their job.’
Ahmed said he hopes the charges will be dropped.Â
‘Honestly, I’m disappointed. This situation caused me stress and anxiety. I’m very upset,’ he said.
‘This situation is untrue. I’m an honest, innocent, honourable guy. I never hurt anyone and I’ve never been violent.
‘Since what happened at Bondi, I’ve been given a second chance at life. I’ve been trying to look after my health and recover.’
As Al Ahmed broke down in tears, Fordham praised his actions during the Bondi Junction attack.Â
Ahmed said he hopes the charges will be dropped, and said: ‘This situation is untrue. I’m an honest, innocent, honourable guy. I never hurt anyone and I’ve never been violent’
The charges against the Bondi hero come days after his two brothers, Hozifah and Sameh Al Ahmed, appeared in court for allegedly threatening him over the phone
‘I’ll never ever ever forget what you did for the rest of my life.
‘I’ve lived in this city my whole life. It was the darkest day in our history, and you stood tall on behalf of every single one of us, and you did something that we all wish we would do, but in the bottom of our guts, we don’t know whether we would have the balls to do it.Â
‘I hope that common sense prevails here. I don’t know what went on or what didn’t go on, but I find this all very hard to believe. You stay strong and you fight these charges.’
The charges against the Bondi hero come days after his two brothers, Hozifah and Sameh Al Ahmed, appeared in court for allegedly threatening him over the phone.
They were charged with allegedly using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend their older sibling.
The pair have pleaded not guilty after NSW Police alleged they called Ahmed and each demanded $100,000 from him.
The brothers are due to face court on June 8, while Ahmed will face court on July 29.
Ahmed was applauded as a hero following the terror attack on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach on December 14, in which 15 innocent people lost their lives.
Ahmed wrestled a gun from one of the two alleged gunmen, Sajid Akram, who was later fatally shot by police.
The surviving gunman, Naveed Akram, remains before the court.
Ahmed was severely injured in the attack and has still not fully recovered.Â