Ahmed’s courageous actions during the tragic antisemitic attack last December have drawn widespread support, raising over $2.5 million through an online fundraiser. His heroism, captured on film as he disarmed the gunman Sajid Akram, garnered international attention despite leaving him with significant injuries from being shot.
However, recent developments have cast a shadow over this story of bravery. Ahmed’s own brothers are now facing allegations of making threatening phone calls to him earlier this month. According to reports, on May 7, Hozifa allegedly threatened, “I will put your head under my boot, break your other arm, and smash your face. We will only leave if you give us $100,000 each.”
This morning, both brothers appeared in court, where they entered not guilty pleas to charges of using a carriage service to harass. They are scheduled to return for further proceedings in July.
The December attack that Ahmed intervened in was a violent assault led by accused terrorist Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid, who opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach, resulting in the loss of 15 lives.
This morning, the pair pleaded not guilty to using a carriage service to harass. They’re expected back in court in July.
Accused terrorist Naveed Akram and his father, Sajid, opened fire during Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach on December 14.
Fifteen people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, and 40 people were injured, while Sajid Akram was shot dead by police.
The interim report handed down last month found authorities could not have prevented the horror mass shooting but major improvements should be made to Australia’s counter-terrorism capability.
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