Bondi Beach hero asks for prayers after being left in agony by health scare during US trip

Mr al-Ahmed is now in the US seeking medical treatment following the terror attack (Image: Supplied)

The hero who confronted the alleged gunmen of the Bondi Beach terror attack in December has appealed for prayers after suffering a setback in his recovery after travelling to the US for treatment.

Mr al-Ahmed, was shot multiple times while attempting to stop alleged gunman Naveed Akram, 24, who has since been charged with 59 offences in connection with the terror attack. His father and fellow alleged gunman, Sajid Akram, 50, was killed by police at the scene.

The December 14 terror attack saw 15 innocent people killed, with the nation of Australia left shaken and scrambling to update gun legislation to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.

Mr al-Ahmed was praised worldwide after footage emerged showing him tackling and disarming one of the alleged gunmen; a move that has been widely credited for saving countless lives.

However, the Sydney-based shop owner has now revealed his recovery has been anything but smooth, with his health deteriorating while in the US to seek treatment from US specialist doctors.

Mr al-Ahmed disarming one of the alleged shooters. (Image: Supplied)

In a video shared on Instagram, Mr al-Ahmed appeared visibly unwell as he lay in a hotel bed, surrounded by visitors who had come to check on him.

“My health has declined again,” he said, explaining that he had been forced to cancel several meetings after experiencing sudden swelling in his hand and severe pain.

He confirmed he has already undergone three surgeries since the attack.

“When the pain returns after the medication wears off, I feel discouraged,” he said.

“But when I remember that I acted to protect innocent people, and that so many people are praying for me, I feel hope.

Despite cancelling engagements due to his health, Mr al-Ahmed said many people still travelled to see him.

“Even after meetings were cancelled, people came with kindness and respect just to make sure I was okay,” he said.
“Thank you from my heart. Please remember me in your prayers.”

The update came shortly after Mr al-Ahmed met former prime minister Kevin Rudd during a visit to the United States Congress in New York.

“It was a great honour to meet the Honourable Kevin Rudd,” he said.

Mr Rudd praised his actions, telling him: “You did an extraordinary thing. Your image went across the world.”

Following the attack, Mr al-Ahmed was visited in hospital by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.

Mr Albanese described him as “the best of our country”, while Mr Minns said he represented “the very best of Australian courage”.

Reflecting on the moment he confronted one of the attackers, Mr al-Ahmed said he acted instinctively.

“I could not stand by and watch people die,” he said. “That was my soul telling me what to do.”