Bondi Beach hero faces new battle, lawyer confirms in emotional update
On Thursday, December 18, Issa said:
“Ahmed had recently undergone a very complex operation which involved nerve damage and is currently in a lot of discomfort today, naturally.”
Earlier this week, Ahmed addressed the public from his hospital bed, sending prayers in Arabic [translated]:
“I appreciate the efforts of everyone. May Allah reward you and grant you wellbeing. God willing, we will return to you with joy. Thank you for your efforts.” He also added a personal message to his mother: “I went through a very difficult phase, only Allah knows it … I ask my mother, the apple of my eye, to pray for me.”
Ahmed’s heroism has drawn high-profile visitors to his bedside, including Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who told him: “You’re very strong. Your heart is strong. Your courage is inspiring.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also paid tribute, saying: “It’s the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen. A man walking up to a gunman who had fired on the community and single-handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save the lives of countless other people. That man is a genuine hero. I’ve got no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”
$2.5 million has been raised
The video footage of Ahmed’s heroic actions went viral online, inspiring a fundraiser that has now raised over $2.5 million from more than 42,000 donations.
Tragically, 15 people were killed in the attack, along with one of the alleged gunmen, 50-year-old Sajid Akram. Authorities have described it as the deadliest attack in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, leaving a nation in mourning.
Police have charged the surviving suspect, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.Continue reading…
