Ahmed al-Ahmed, the Sydney shop owner who bravely tackled a gunman during the Bondi Beach terror attack, is now facing assault allegations. The 44-year-old, originally from Syria, claims the charges are false, calling them "fake news" in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Assault charges and court notice
New South Wales Police confirmed that officers received a report of an alleged assault at a property in Bankstown on March 9. In an official statement, police said: "On Wednesday (June 3), a 44-year-old man was served with a Court Attendance Notice for common assault (DV) and stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm (domestic)."
Australian broadcaster 7News reported that the assault charge relates to allegations that al-Ahmed placed his father in a headlock. As a result, an apprehended violence order (AVO) has been issued against him, requiring him to stay 100 metres away from his father's home and workplace.
Al-Ahmed told the national broadcaster he had no knowledge of the incident, stating: "I don't have any information at all." He intends to contest the allegations. The charges emerged just two days after his two younger brothers appeared in court for allegedly using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend him.
Emotional interview with radio host
In an emotional interview with 2GB radio presenter Ben Fordham, al-Ahmed said: "Honestly, I'm disappointed. The situation causes me stress ... I am very upset about what has happened. It's untrue .... I've never been violent, I am not a violent guy. I'm an honest, innocent, honourable guy."
He added: "I don't deserve to be treated like this. Since the situation in Bondi, I've been given a second chance in life. I'm married, I have two little daughters, three years and six years ... I'm honest, innocent and a normal guy and it's good for people to know I've never been a violent guy."
Fordham highlighted the irony of the charges, noting that al-Ahmed still has bullet fragments lodged in his arm and shoulder from the Bondi attack, making it difficult for him to hold a microphone, let alone put someone in a headlock. Fordham declared: "I don't believe them. I don't believe your brothers, I don't believe your dad, I don't believe any of them. You put your life on the line for this city and this country and we will never forget that. It was the darkest day in our history, and you did something that we all wish we could do."
Heroic actions during Bondi attack
On December 14, al-Ahmed wrestled a gun from Sajid Akram during a shooting spree that claimed 15 lives. Footage shows him grappling the firearm from Akram's grasp. Akram was later shot dead by police, and his son, Naveed Akram, was wounded and charged with 59 offences, including terrorism. Al-Ahmed sustained multiple gunshot injuries, but his swift intervention is credited with preventing further casualties.
While recovering in hospital, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited him, hailing him as the "best of our country." Al-Ahmed later explained: "My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being's life and not killing innocent people. I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost."
He received the Keys to the City of Canterbury-Bankstown and walked onto the pitch ahead of the final Test of the Ashes series. Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said: "What Ahmed did in that moment was remarkable. His courageous actions were motivated by his desire to save innocent lives. In the process, Ahmed himself was shot several times and sustained serious injuries. When evil came to Bondi Beach, Ahmed and countless ordinary heroes did not hesitate to confront it. His instinctive courage, his willingness to put others first, and his quiet bravery will never be forgotten."
Al-Ahmed is scheduled to appear before Bankstown Local Court on July 29.
