(CNN) A Florida convenience store worker seen firing an AK-47 rifle at a customer who had threatened him did so in self-defense, his lawyer argued, and should be cleared of any charges under the state's "Stand Your Ground" law.

Newly released surveillance footage shows Saf Ahmad, 30, shooting the rifle at the man as he left his Kwik Pic convenience store in Lauderhill, Florida, just west of Fort Lauderdale.

Ahmad, 30, was charged with aggravated battery in December 2017 after the Christmas Eve shooting.

Ahmad's attorney Andrew Rier was unavailable for comment Wednesday in observance of Yom Kippur, but he told CNN affiliate WSVN this week that the shooting falls under Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law , which can protect people who use lethal force to defend themselves against perceived threats without retreating first.

"Mr. Ahmad did not provoke the confrontation," he said. "The confrontation was brought to Mr. Ahmad, and he defended himself."

Read More