SAS Kenya hero hired as Trump bodyguard
A former SAS soldier who rescued hostages during an Islamist terrorist attack in Kenya has been hired as Donald Trump’s bodyguard.
Christian Craighead, who was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for his role in helping civilians escape an attack by al-Shabaab in Nairobi in 2019, was personally thanked by Donald Trump after the event for “saving Americans”.
Last year, the former SAS Warrant Officer was invited by the Trump campaign to speak at a rally in New Jersey, after having first met Mr Trump at the White House in 2019, and was praised for his bravery in the Kenya attack.
According to the Mail on Sunday, Mr Craighead – not his real name – will become one of the president-elect’s bodyguards.
The former SAS soldier, 48, will be part of the security team for Mr Trump’s inauguration in Washington later this month, after the incoming president reportedly told aides Mr Craighead would have spotted the rooftop shooter who attempted to assassinate him in Pennsylvania in July.
A family friend of Mr Craighead told the Mail on Sunday: “Trump first reached out to Chris after the terror attack, telling him how much he admired his actions. They have kept in regular touch ever since.
“He’s also good friends with Trump’s son, Donald Trump Jnr, and his former partner, Kimberly Guilfoyle, having spent time with them in Miami.”
Six years ago, images of Mr Craighead repeatedly entering the hotel complex to rescue civilians went viral.
He was dressed in civilian clothes, with body armour worn over the top, and an automatic rifle in his hand.
The attack lasted for more than 20 hours and involved close-quarter fighting, which left 21 people dead and 30 wounded.
Mr Craighead killed five of the terrorists.
He attempted to publish a book on the ordeal, however, it was blocked by the Ministry of Defence, a ruling that was subsequently upheld by the courts.
Writing about the terror attack on Instagram, Mr Craighead said: “On that day in 2019, it was never about getting a medal. It was about stepping up, doing the right thing and getting the job done.”