A security guard who was stabbed in the stomach by Bondi attacker Joel Cauchi has revealed the horrifying moment his co-worker was killed in the attack.
Six people were killed by the Queensland man during his more than 20 minute rampage through the Bondi Junction Westfield in Sydney on April 13.
Security guard Muhammed Taha was with victim Faraz Tahir for his first day on the job and discussing their native Pakistan when the chaos unfolded.
“We were on the floor alone … all of a all of a sudden we heard some noises and people screaming, there were people running,” Mr Taha told Nine News.
“We didn’t (know) about the attacker, we didn’t know how many were dead or what was going on. People were running away in the opposite direction.”
Mr Taha said he “all of a sudden” saw a woman lying on the floor before as they headed through the crowd toward Cauchi the 40-year-old spotted them.
“He all of a sudden noticed us, he jumped on Faraz and he stabbed him in the chest,” Mr Taha said, believing they were targeted because of their uniforms.
“When Faraz turned (around), there was blood all over his chest, I was very shocked. At the same time, he jumped over to me.
“I tried to defend myself, I tried to use my hands and somehow he managed to stab me in the stomach.
“I didn’t notice I was stabbed, I was just looking after Faraz. I tried to help him.”
Mr Taha said he called his best friend, Muhammed Fahad – another security guard at the centre – who “rushed toward” the wounded man.
“He did everything in his capacity (to help), he helped me, other people and Faraz, so I’m very grateful for him,“ Mr Taha said.
“There was lots of blood. He put pressure on my side. Because of him, I survived. Without him, I wouldn’t be here.”
For his part, Muhammed Fahad, said he had tried to help both his colleague and Mr Tahrir, who tragically died in the attack.
He described trying to deliver aid to both “badly injured” men.
“It’s horrible, something I don’t want to recall but the picture is still in my mind.”
Mr Taha remains in hospital suffering wounds dealt by Mr Cauchi in the attack, as the busy Bondi centre slowly reopens to the public after almost a week.
He said it was not until two or three days later that he learned Mr Faraz had died in the attack.
“That was really painful … “I could have been the one (that died). There was (a) very mixed feeling … I was speechless at that moment,” he said.
“He was telling me about his family and where he came from, his family – everything just happened so quickly.”
Mr Taha thanked Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns for approving his permanent residency in the wake of the attack.
He called on the country’s leaders to extended the same recognition to his friend, Muhmmed Fahad.
“I want to thank them for giving me a permanent residency for the country I love, and I want to serve it,“ he said
“I want that (same recognition) for Fahad, he deserves it.”