‘Shocked’ Bondi hero denies claim of assault on father
A man who gained worldwide fame by tackling a gunman at Bondi Beach has been accused of putting his father in a headlock amid a family dispute.
Rabbi Yehoram Ulman and Ahmed al-Ahmed speak outside the resting place of the Rebbe, as attorney Sam Issa listens. Photo: Chabad,org
The Bondi terror attack hero has launched an impassioned defence against claims he assaulted his father, insisting the allegations are baseless and an extortion attempt.
Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the two gunmen during December’s terrorist incident, has been charged with assault and stalking over allegations he put his father in a headlock on March 9.
But the 44-year-old strenuously denied the claims and alleged his family members wanted a cut of the more than $2.5 million he was given after a fundraiser for his Bondi heroism.
”I got shocked and disappointed from the situation, because this situation is untrue, and it’s extortion,” he told Sydney radio 2GB on Friday morning.
Al Ahmed’s claims come as his brothers, Sameh and Hozifa, have each been charged with using a carriage service to menace or harass.
They both pleaded not guilty to the charges at the Bankstown Local Court on May 20. They will be back in court on July 8.
Al Ahmed, a tobacconist, rose to prominence after video captured the moment he crept behind one of the Bondi gunmen and tackled and disarmed him, slowing the attack and saving lives.
He was shot twice in the arm during the incident.
Al Ahmed referred to his actions at Bondi as proof he did not assault his father on Friday.
”I’m an honest, innocent, honourable guy, I never hurt anyone, and I’ve never been violent,” he said.
”The Bondi situation … when I disarmed the terrorist and took his gun (I threw) it away, I didn’t hurt him. I am not violent.”
Al Ahmed said police contacted his lawyer to inform him of the charges shortly before they were made public. He said he had not yet seen any evidence supporting the allegations.
He has been awarded the Keys to the City of Canterbury-Bankstown, where he lives, and Waverley.
Al Ahmed was visited in hospital by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as he recovered from his injuries.
He is due to appear in local court on July 29.
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491
By: Alex Mitchell/AAP
