King Salman's Bodyguard Killed in 'Personal Dispute'

Saudi Arabia pays tribute to Gen. Abdel Aziz al-Fagham
By Bob Cronin,  Newser Staff
Posted Sep 29, 2019 9:46 AM CDT
King Salman's Bodyguard Killed in 'Personal Dispute'
FILE - In this May 21, 2017 file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump, left, stands with Saudi King Salman as he is helped by his bodyguard Maj. Gen. Abdulaziz al-Fagham, right, during a photo with leaders at the Gulf Cooperation Council meeting, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Al-Fagham, a prominent bodyguard...   (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)

A well-known bodyguard to the king of Saudi Arabia was shot to death at the home of a friend, state TV said. Gen. Abdel Aziz al-Fagham was involved in a "personal dispute" Saturday night with the friend, per the BBC, who left the house and returned with a gun. Police killed the friend when he refused to surrender, state media said. Five members of the security forces were wounded, per the AP. No other details were released.

Al-Fagham was thought to be close to King Salman, and tributes calling him a hero and guardian angel were posted on social media. Photos showed him in the background at events with the king; one showed the personal bodyguard bending down to tie the king's shoes. He also had been King Abdullah's bodyguard. A newspaper headline called him "The Keeper of Kings." (More King Salman stories.)

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