In a heart-stopping display of bravery, Musa Abdraim, a 52-year-old former professional boxer, risked his life to disarm a knife-wielding attacker at Almaty Airport in Kazakhstan. The dramatic incident unfolded when a 67-year-old man, enraged by a request to show his identification, pulled out a knife and took a 21-year-old security guard hostage, threatening to detonate a bomb from his backpack.
The daring rescue
The attacker, who claimed to have explosives, held the young woman by her hair and threatened to stab her. Amidst the chaos, Abdraim calmly approached the assailant and offered to take the place of the terrified hostage. The attacker agreed, releasing the woman and taking Abdraim instead. Seizing the opportunity, Abdraim swiftly grabbed the knife by the blade and, with the help of security personnel, subdued the assailant. As Abdraim recounted, “The attacker had a knife and a phone. He told the police that he would press a button and everything would explode”.
Abdraim’s motivation
Abdraim, a father of five, explained that he acted on instinct, driven by the fear of what could happen to the young woman. “I saw that she was going to be stabbed and I said: ‘Take me hostage instead of her’,” he recalled. “I wasn’t afraid for myself. But I felt anxious: what if he kills that girl? I thought, ‘What if it’s my daughter?’ I had no idea I would become a hero. It was my duty as a man”.
Background and recognition
Abdraim’s past experience in boxing, martial arts, Thai boxing, and kickboxing likely contributed to his ability to handle the situation effectively, though he noted that it had been a long time since he was actively involved in these sports. His heroic actions have earned him widespread recognition, including a state medal from Kazakhstan’s President, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The attacker faces up to 12 years in prison for his actions.
Aftermath and impact
The incident highlights the importance of quick thinking and bravery in high-pressure situations. Abdraim’s selfless act has inspired many, and he is being hailed as a hero both locally and internationally. The World Boxing Council has also recognized his bravery, naming him a “Hero of Humanity”. As Abdraim reflected on his actions, he emphasized that it was simply his duty as a man and citizen of Kazakhstan to act in such a manner.
