Comanchero boss Tarek Zahed alive and talking after being shot ten times
Comanchero bikie Tarek Zahed is talking to friends and associates on his phone just three weeks after being shot ten times, including in the head, during a botched assassination attempt.
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Comanchero bikie boss Tarek Zahed is talking to friends in what medical experts describe as an “incredible” recovery after being shot 10 times during a botched assassination attempt.
The 41-year-old is reportedly improving daily despite being hit with shots to the head, body and limbs.
His brother Omar, 39, died in the same attack when the pair went to the Bodyfit Gym at Auburn on May 10.
The two gunmen walked into the fitness centre at about 8pm and opened fire on the pair, who were with other relatives at the time.
Omar was pronounced dead at the scene and Tarek was taken to a nearby hospital in a critical condition. He was in a coma for days and many thought he would not survive, with one of the bullets hitting him in the eye.
Details of his exact injuries have not been released but he is now reported to be in a stable but serious condition after multiple surgeries.
A senior emergency physician at a leading Sydney Hospital who has experience with gunshot wounds said to be shot so many times and still survive was “incredible”.
“To be shot in the head the chances of survival are so small, let alone direct shot through the eyeball, is exceptional,” the doctor said.
“He should rush out and get Powerball tickets.”
He said the angle of the bullet and ballistics of the weapon determined how likely he was to survive.
“Bullets do strange things in the body. They don’t go straight because of the various physics of the tissue but to be shot so many times and still survive is incredible,” he said.
Leading cardiologist Ross Walker said most people shot 10 times wouldn’t survive.
“It’s extraordinary. It’s incredibly unusual that someone would survive such trauma,” he said.
Zahed was the high profile national sergeant-at-arms of the Comanchero and a close confidant of the club’s controlling boss, Mark Buddle who lives overseas and relied on him to run the club.
Before his shooting, Zahed was expected to take over the role of national president after the incumbent, Mick Murray, was jailed in Victoria charged with murder.
It is now believed the Sydney Chapter boss, Allan Meehan will take the role at least until Zahed’s future is known.
The Zaheds’ shooting is still a matter of conjecture among the underworld.
Despite being able to talk, it is understood Zahed is not co-operating with police.