In Summary:
- Christian Craighead, former SAS soldier, recalls rescuing hostages during the 2019 DusitD2 Hotel attack in Nairobi.
- He joined former US President Donald Trump’s elite security team, including for the January 20, 2025 inauguration.
- His bravery earned him global recognition and the UK’s second-highest military honour.
- A British court blocked him from publishing a book about the attack to protect national security.
Heroic SAS Soldier Reflects on DusitD2 Attack
Seven years after the 2019 DusitD2 Hotel attack in Nairobi, Christian Craighead, a former SAS soldier, shared a heartfelt message on Twitter:
“I remain deeply grateful to God that I could stand and fight against those forces of evil. Moments like these remind me: we run toward the fight so others can live. Honored to have been part of it.”
This message shows the courage and humility of a man who risked his life to save others during one of Kenya’s deadliest terror attacks.
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Joining Trump’s Elite Security Team
After gaining worldwide recognition for his heroics, Craighead, 48, joined former US President Donald Trump’s elite security team. He served during key events, including Trump’s January 20, 2025 inauguration in Washington, D.C.
Trump reportedly valued Craighead’s sharp attention and experience, believing his skills could prevent danger and protect lives, especially after an assassination attempt on Trump in September 2024. One suspect, 58-year-old Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested in connection with the attempt.
The DusitD2 Rescue Operation
At the time of the DusitD2 attack, Craighead was in Nairobi training Kenya’s security forces in counter-terrorism. He was off duty when the attack began but quickly took charge.
According to fellow SAS veteran Chris Ryan, Craighead led the operation that rescued more than 20 hostages. His bravery earned him global attention and the UK’s second-highest military honour.
Challenges After the Attack
Despite his heroism, Craighead’s relationship with the SAS ended because the UK military values discretion, and his actions had become widely known. In 2024, he attempted to publish a book about the DusitD2 attack, but a British court blocked the publication, citing national security rules that prevent revealing sensitive information.
