The horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday has sent shockwaves around the world.

At the same time, attention has also turned to an incredible hero: Ahmed al Ahmed.

Interviewed by security services back in 2019

At least 15 people tragically lost their lives and dozens more were injured when two gunmen opened fire on families gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, in an attack now being treated as an act of terrorism.

The attack unfolded as over 1,000 Jewish people were celebrating Hanukkah on the famous beach.

Among the victims identified so far are a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, a British rabbi, a retired New South Wales police officer, and a French national.

The suspected attackers, described as a father-and-son duo, have been named as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Naveed Akram. Sajid was declared dead at the scene, while Naveed is reportedly in critical condition in the hospital.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the pair acted alone but were “clearly” motivated by extremism. Australian authorities say the two suspected men “weren’t part of a wider cell,” although they were interviewed by security services back in 2019.

Amid the tragedy, attention has turned to the courageous civilian who confronted one of the gunmen. Ahmed al Ahmed’s actions, captured in a viral clip, showed him risking his own life to tackle the suspect and seize the firearm. He is now recovering in the hospital after sustaining injuries while disarming one of the suspected gunmen.

Trump’s words about Ahmed

According to his father, Mr. Ahmed was meeting a friend for coffee in the area when the attack began. Ahmed, who moved to Australia from Syria in 2006, was initially seen crouching behind parked cars while the suspect fired bullets. As chaos erupted, he leaped onto the gunman’s back and wrestled him in a tense struggle over the weapon.

He successfully seized the rifle and pointed it at the suspect. His actions undoubtedly saved countless lives and drew the attention of leaders worldwide, including President Donald Trump, who called Mr. Ahmed’s intervention “very brave.”

”A very brave person actually who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives. A very brave person who is right now in the hospital and seriously wounded,” Mr. Trump said.

The 43-year-old father of two, who runs a fruit shop in Sydney, has been widely praised for his bravery. A fundraiser for Ahmed has already raised over $1,3 million, with billionaire Jewish investor Bill Ackman contributing $99,000.

The GoFundMe page set up “to show our gratitude and support” reads:
“After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act. In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety. Early reports indicate he was shot twice in the process while protecting others.”

Ahmed’s family confirmed that he sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and hand but is recovering. His cousin Mustafa told 7News Australia:

”He is a hero, 100 percent he is a hero. He has two shots, one in his arm and one in his hand.”

Latest update

Mustafa added in a later update:

”I hope he will be fine. I saw him last night. He was alright but we’re waiting to see what the doctor (says).”

Ahmed’s father reflected on his son’s bravery:
“When he did what he did, he wasn’t thinking about the background of the people he’s saving, the people dying in the street. He doesn’t discriminate between one nationality and another. Especially here in Australia, there’s no difference between one citizen and another.”

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visited Ahmed in the hospital and wrote on X: “Ahmed is a real-life hero. Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk. It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW. There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage.”