Hero of Bondi's lavish new digs as he's seen for the first time since getting his $2.5million reward for his breathtaking bravery - as he's released from hospital and breaks his silence in international TV interview
Ahmed Al Ahmed rushed in to wrestle a shotgun from Sajid Akram, 50, when he opened fire on the crowd at a Jewish Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach on the evening of December 14.
Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed has moved into a penthouse suite at the Crown Casino in Sydney after being handed $2.5million for his bravery, as he breaks his silence about disarming one of the massacre gunmen.
Mr Al Ahmed rushed in to wrestle a shotgun from Sajid Akram, 50, when he opened fire on the crowd at a Jewish Hanukkah festival at Bondi Beach on the evening of December 14.
Akram's son, Naveed, who is accused of killing 15 and injuring dozens more, allegedly shot Mr Al Ahmed several times in the moment of breathtaking heroism.
Footage of the incident saw Mr Al Ahmed hailed a hero across the globe, and sparked an online appeal which raised $2.5million, presented to him in hospital last week.
Now Mr Al Ahmed has finally spoken about his heroics in an interview with a US TV network, set to air overnight.
'I did not worry about anything,' he told Australian CBS News journalist Anna Coren.
'My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being - and not killing innocent people.'
On Monday, the father of two was spotted by the Daily Mail living the high life on the 33rd-floor balcony of a lavish suite at the Barangaroo casino's hotel in Sydney CBD.
In the footage Mr Al Ahmed is seen disarming the gunman
Mr Al Ahmed was shot during the attack
He was spotted on the balcony of the Crown Towers hotel
He was discharged from hospital at the weekend and is recovering from major surgery to save his arm after being repeatedly shot in the terror attack.
Mr Al Ahmed, still wearing a sling on his left arm, has been joined by his family at the suite as he comes to terms with his new wealth and fame after saving the lives of countless others.
Despite being hailed as a hero, Mr Al Ahmed said his thoughts remain with those who did not survive.
'I know I saved lots of people's lives, innocent kids and women and men,' he said. 'I know I saved lots - but I still feel sorry for the lost.'
Dramatic footage showed him leap from behind a parked car to wrestle Sajid Akram to the ground, successfully disarming him before he was wounded in the crossfire of the firefight between police and the second gunman.
'I jumped on his back, hit him,' he said.
'I hold him with my right hand and start saying a word, you know, like to warn him, drop your gun, stop doing what you're doing, and it's come all in fast.