Ahmed Al Ahmed, the man hailed as a hero for disarming a gunman during the Bondi Beach terror attack, broke down in tears on Friday as he vehemently denied accusations that he assaulted his own father.
Charges Laid Over March Incident
The 44-year-old was charged with common assault and stalking after allegedly placing his father in a headlock during an incident in March, as revealed by 7NEWS on Thursday. Police have also obtained an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) to protect his father from Ahmed.
Allegations of Extortion
Ahmed has denied the accusations, claiming they stem from a $2.6 million fundraiser created to support him following his heroic actions during the Bondi Beach attack. "I was shocked and disappointed because ... it's untrue and it's extortion," he told 2GB's Ben Fordham. Two of his brothers are currently before the courts, accused of threatening Ahmed over the phone and demanding $100,000 each from the fundraiser funds.
Ahmed insisted his actions on December 14, when he tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen but refused to shoot him, reflect his non-violent nature. "I'm a very honest, innocent, and honorable guy," he said. "When I disarmed the terrorist and threw his gun away, I didn't hurt him ... I have never been violent."
Emotional Breakdown
Becoming emotional, Ahmed said the international praise he received after the attack had given him "a second chance at life." He gained worldwide fame for his bravery during the December terror attack at Bondi Beach.
Ahmed is expected to appear in court on July 29. In the meantime, the AVO prohibits him from contacting, harassing, stalking, or assaulting his father, and he must stay at least 100 metres away from his father's home and workplace.
