Bourke St stabbed security guard to be nominated for bravery award, speaks for first time
The security guard stabbed in the neck during the deadly Bourke St terror attack has spoken of the horror ordeal, as it is revealed the same police officer who shot dead the jihadi held him until he reached hospital.
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The security guard stabbed in the neck during the deadly Bourke St terror attack has spoken of the horror ordeal, as it is revealed the same police officer who shot dead the jihadi held him until he reached hospital.
Shadi, 26, was working at the City Village building on Friday afternoon when he heard a car explode and people screaming.
He said he thought someone was inside the car, and went to provide aid when he was suddenly stabbed by terrorist Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, 30, on the steps of the building.
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Incredibly Shadi ran to help others after being attacked.
The Hampton Park man is being praised for his heroic actions, and will be nominated for a bravery award by the City of Melbourne.
“It was just like any other day ... but out of nowhere I saw a car on fire,” he said.
“I thought there were innocent people in the vehicle. I tried to go and assist and then I realised that ... I didn’t know what was going on, there was a loud explosion then everyone screaming and running and then, out of nowhere, I got attacked.”
“After that everything was very quick. The attacker was on the loose and was attacking people for no reason. I don’t know what was wrong with him.
“My main concern was to make sure he does not attack any more civilians, innocent people.
“Out of nowhere, I didn’t even have time to react, he straight away stabbed me, he tried to kill me, he hit me in the neck.
“Lucky I got away. I tried to defend the attacker off but I couldn’t defend myself any more, there was too much blood; I couldn’t physically see outside the left side of my eye.
“I just had to get out of there. If I stayed there, different story.
“I am very lucky to be alive.”
The same police officer who shot dead Shire Ali, 30, rushed to Shadi’s aid and put pressure on his bleeding wound.
The male officer, who left the academy just five months ago, stayed by Shadi’s side until they reached the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
“I’d like to thank the police officer who assisted me. I want to thank him from the bottom of my heart,” he said.
“He put a jacket around my neck to stop the blood … it was going everywhere.
“I want to become a police officer and this makes me more want to protect and serve the public.”
Shadi underwent surgery on his neck and was discharged from hospital on Sunday.
He was discharged from hospital on Sunday night after undergoing surgery to his neck and is now recovering at home with his mum and girlfriend.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp praised the Hampton Park man, who will be nominated for a bravery award.
“Shadi showed incredible bravery and courage by fending off the attacker and then returning to check on the welfare of staff,” she said.
“Despite his own injuries he put his life on the line to help and protect others during the terrifying and tragic event.”
Cr Capp said Shadi had worked with the City of Melbourne for 18 months, and used his training to calmly and bravely respond to the incident.
A colleague had earlier praised his quick-thinking actions which kept other’s from harms way.
Shadi ran through a disability access door rather than toward the store or lift he was guarding, potentially protecting others.
A GoFund Me page has been established to raise funds for Shadi and his family.
It says his family is “doing it tough.”
“Let’s show our love and support for Shadi as his selfless and heroic acts has saved the lives of many.”
Shadi was employed by security company SECUREcorp.
Managing director Harrie Veerman thanked the first responders and fellow security guards who worked quickly to respond to the attack.
“Shadi had the presence of mind to escape while being chased by the offender, which is why he is with us today. He then returned to provide direction to other people under his care while trying to stem the bleeding from his wound,” he said.
“He remained in radio contact with our team at the City of Melbourne control room throughout the incident. We thank the first responders who quickly took control of the incident for the support and assistance provided to Shadi.
“Shadi is receiving support for himself and his family through SECUREcorp’s Employee Assistance Program as he recovers.
Shadi’s GoFund Me page: gofundme.com/go-fund-me-for-shadi