Saudi king's bodyguard killed in 'personal dispute' during friendly visit

The personal bodyguard of Saudi Arabia's King Salman was killed in a homicide fueled by a personal dispute on Saturday night, Arab News reported. 

According to a press statement released by Mecca's Police Department, the bodyguard, Maj. Gen. Abdulaziz Al-Fagham, was visiting a friend identified as Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Sabti at his home in Jeddah when a mutual friend called Mamdouh Bin Mishaal Al-Ali arrived at the address. Soon after, a heated argument ensued between Al-Ali and Al-Fagham, ending in the former leaving the scene to fetch a gun and returning to fire fatal shots at the security man. 

Speaking to Arab News on condition of anonymity, a source said: "the discussion was about personal and financial matters."

Authorities arrived at the scene shortly afterwards but the attacker resisted and shot at them. He injured five officers before he was shot and killed by the police. 

During his gun attack, Al-Ali also shot at the house owner's brother, later identified as Turki Al-Sabti, and a Filipino domestic worker who was at the scene when the argument took place. Both were transferred to a hospital along with police officers injured during the shoot-out. All those who sustained injuries are reportedly in stable condition. 

Al-Fagham's funeral prayers were performed at Mecca's Holy Mosque on Sunday and were attended by a large crowd.

Saudis took to Twitter to pay tribute to the man who "served and protected" King Salman and former late monarch King Abdullah for over a decade.  Considered one of the closest men to the kingdom's monarch, Al-Fagham's death left millions of Saudis in shock. 

Some shared a video of Michel Hayek - a Lebanese man known for his predictions - in which he foresaw Al-Fagham's name making headlines this year. 

"Your name will be remembered for decades, this is what loyal heroes deserve." 

"We were, still are, and always will be proud of you and your history and loyalty." 

Al-Fagham comes from a family known for working with the Saudi royal family. The late bodyguard's father, General Badah bin Abdullah Al-Fagham, worked for the late King Abdullah for "30 years before his son was appointed to the special brigade of the Saudi National Guard."

Before taking on his duties to guard Saudi Arabia's monarch, the security officer enrolled at King Khaled Military College in 1989 and graduated in 1991. 

Al-Fagham served as liaison officer and guard for the official procession of late King Abdullah, accompanying him at formal events for 10 years. Following King Abdullah's death, the bodyguard took a series of courses qualifying him to protect the royal family further and was then appointed as the main bodyguard to King Salman.

He was known to share a special bond with the current monarch and was often seen spontaneously tending to his needs.