Praise for stabbed security worker who kept Bourke St terrorist from others

The security guard who was stabbed by the Bourke St terrorist has been praised for his “selfless” actions, which kept others from harm’s way. It comes as the second survivor says he has a “long way to go” to recovery.

A stabbed security guard has been praised for his “selfless” actions, which kept others from harm’s way, as the second Bourke Street survivor says he has a “long way to go” to recovery.

The security worker, 24, from Hampton Park, was discharged from Royal Melbourne Hospital on Sunday after surgery for a stab wound to the neck.

Graphic footage shows the moment the SECUREcorp employee walked onto the front steps of the building to look into the street before being stabbed by Hassan Khalif Shire Ali on Friday.

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CCTV footage shows the security guard being stabbed in the neck on the front steps of the Bourke St building. Picture: Nine News

The worker escaped his attacker by running into a vacant disability access room, which leads on to Russell Place.

A colleague today praised the man’s actions, which he said helped protect people inside the building.

He said his injured co-worker could have run into the ground level retail store, City Duty Free, or into an escalator lobby which would have exposed Shire Ali to more victims.

“He did a good job,” said the colleague.

Another nearby business owner wished the man well.

“I saw him 11am that day. He’s always there,” he said.

The security guard, whose company is subcontracted to City of Melbourne, is today recovering at home with family members.

Retired Tasmanian businessman and hero Rod Patterson, 58, remains at The Alfred.

Bourke Street survivor Rodney Patterson with wife Maree at The Alfred Hospital. Picture: The Patterson Family

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He was in Melbourne with his wife, Maree, and was trying to help when he was stabbed in the head.

Speaking for the first time from his hospital bed today, Mr Patterson thanked everyone for their support.

“I wanted everyone to know I am okay,” he told Launceston radio.

“Maree and I and the family truly appreciate all the love and support that’s being sent.”

When asked how he felt, Mr Patterson emotionally replied: “Small steps mate, small steps.”

He said he had a “long way to go” to recovery, and described support by the public as “beautiful” and “humbling”.

A SECUREcorp spokesman said: “The officer was hurt in the line of duty and has received medical care as well as support for himself and his family through our Employee Assistance Program.”

“He is recovering well … we would like to thank the first responders to the incident, for the support and assistance provided to our officer.”

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