Ahmed Al Ahmed, lauded as a hero after the Bondi terror attack, was visibly emotional as he refuted claims of assault and intimidation against his father. According to Ahmed, family members are attempting to extort him for his $2.6 million GoFundMe earnings.
The 44-year-old received a court attendance notice on Wednesday, facing accusations related to domestic violence, including common assault and stalking or intimidation meant to instill fear of physical harm.
The charges stem from an incident purportedly occurring at a residence in Bankstown on March 9, with authorities indicating it was reported nearly a week later. Ahmed is slated to appear at Bankstown Local Court on July 29.
Police allege that during the altercation, Ahmed put his elderly father in a headlock.
An Apprehended Violence Order has been enacted to protect his father, barring Ahmed from any form of assault, stalking, harassment, or contact. Additionally, he must maintain a distance of at least 100 meters from his father’s home and workplace.
In a heated exchange with 2GB’s Ben Fordham on Thursday, Ahmed passionately denied the accusations, asserting that he is being targeted by family members seeking a share of the substantial donations collected after the Bondi incident.
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 breaks down in tears, denies assaulting his father and claims family members tried to extort him over his $2.6 million GoFundMe fund during an explosive 2GB interview
Ahmed Al Ahmed has denied assaulting and intimidating his father, claiming 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 police
2GB host Ben 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
According to Ahmed, both of his brothers allegedly demanded $100,000 each, while he claimed his father had asked for half of the money raised through the GoFundMe campaign.
Ahmed further alleged his brothers travelled to Australia on three-month visas and 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, through other family members, pressured him to withdraw the case 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 at an event, you struggle to hold a microphone. 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 arm
‘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.
‘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.’
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.
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
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.
