Ahmed al-Ahmed, praised for his bravery in tackling one of the alleged gunmen during the Bondi Beach terror attack, underwent a second surgery yesterday to treat his injuries.
His lawyer, Sam Issa, confirmed the procedure was successful.
‘Ahmed’s in a lot of discomfort today, naturally,’ Issa told the ABC.
‘It was a very complex operation because it involves nerve damage.’
Ahmed, 44, a father of two, is now preparing for another grueling eight-hour surgery on Friday.
Mr al-Ahmed sustained severe injuries after being struck twice by gunfire.
He is currently in critical but stable condition at St George Hospital in Sydney.
Footage from the attack shows him wrestling the rifle away from gunman Sajid Akram, who was later killed, in a split second move that undoubtedly saved countless lives.
Bondi Beach attack hero Ahmed Al Ahmed (pictured) underwent a second surgery yesterday
Ahmed al-Ahmed (left) snatched the rifle out of the hands of one of Bondi Beach terrorist
As Sajid fell backwards Mr al-Ahmed lifted the rifle and aimed it back at the disarmed shooter but did not fire.
Sajid backed away as Mr al-Ahmed rested the weapon against a tree moments before another bystander rushed in and hurled an object at the fleeing attacker.
The confrontation unfolded in full view of the second alleged gunman Sajid’s 24-year-old son Naveed who stood on a nearby footbridge holding a firearm.
A GoFundMe launched just hours after the terrorist attack to honour Ahmed for ‘[preventing] the loss of countless more lives,’ has since raised more than $2.5million.
‘In a moment of chaos and danger, Ahmed el Ahmed stepped forward without hesitation,’ the fundraiser says.
‘His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety.’
US billionaire hedge fund boss Bill Ackman was among the first to donate, pledging an $99,999 within hours of the page going live.
Mr al-Ahmed has received visits from prominent political and community figures at St George Hospital, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and Governor-General Sam Mostyn, all praising him as a hero.
Anthony Albanese (left) visited Ahmed al-Ahmed (right) at St George Hospital on Tuesday
A GoFundMe for Ahmed al-Ahmed (pictured) has raised more than $2.5million since launch
‘He’s very humble,’ Albanese said after meeting with Mr al-Ahmed.
‘At a moment where we have seen evil perpetrated, he shines out as an example of the strength of humanity. We are a brave country.’
Albanese said that Ahmed Al-Ahmed ‘represents the best of our country’.
In a video released by Turkey’s public broadcaster TRT World, Al-Ahmed expressed gratitude for the support he’s received, saying he ‘appreciates the efforts of everyone’ and urged people to keep him in their prayers.
‘May Allah reward you and grant you well-being. God willing, we will return to you with joy,’ he said.
‘Through Allah, I went through a very difficult phase. Only Allah knows it.’
