A former Special Air Service (SAS) soldier who heroically saved lives during the 2019 Dusit terror attack in Nairobi, Kenya, is now part of US President-elect Donald Trump’s security team.
The soldier, known as Christian Craighead (not his real name), played a key role in stopping the January 15, 2019, attack by Somalia-based al-Shabaab terrorists, which left 21 people dead.
Hero of the Dusit Attack
Craighead, 48, is credited for his bravery during the Dusit-D2 attack. He rushed into the Riverside Drive complex with only an assault rifle, a Glock pistol, and a combat knife, helping civilians escape and assisting Kenyan officers. His actions, captured on camera, went viral, earning him widespread praise.
For his courage, Craighead received the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, the UK’s second-highest military honor. He was training local forces in Kenya at the time and did not expect a terrorist strike.
In an interview last year, Craighead reflected, “I had to be there that day. My childhood prepared me for that moment.”
According to the Mail on Sunday, Craighead is now one of Trump’s bodyguards ahead of the January 20 inauguration in Washington, DC. The president-elect reportedly admires Craighead’s sharp instincts, even stating that Craighead would have spotted the rooftop shooter in a failed assassination attempt during a Pennsylvania rally in July.
Craighead’s role involves reconnaissance at locations where Trump is scheduled to appear. He has been described as “working in the shadows” to ensure the president-elect’s safety.
Despite his heroism, Craighead is under a gag order issued by the British government. He cannot discuss details of the Dusit attack or publish a planned book about his experiences, citing concerns over national security and protecting SAS tradecraft.
Craighead is challenging the ban, arguing that it violates his freedom of speech.
Craighead joined the Parachute Regiment as a teenager and later served in the Pathfinder Platoon. His deployments included Iraq and Afghanistan. Though he rarely speaks about his military career, he hinted at sharing his story someday if permitted.
Craighead’s addition to Trump’s security team highlights his exceptional skills and dedication to protecting others.
