Ahmed al-Ahmed’s sole focus during the recent Hanukkah celebration shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach was to save lives by disarming one of the gunmen. In an interview with CBS News, the 43-year-old recounted his brave act of seizing the gun to prevent further fatalities, despite the presence of a second shooter nearby.
Acknowledging the lives he saved, al-Ahmed expressed remorse for those lost during the tragic incident. The shooting, carried out by a father-son duo, resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals and left 40 others injured, marking Australia’s deadliest attack in nearly three decades, officially declared a terrorist act.
Al-Ahmed, a Syrian Australian shop owner, was out for coffee with a friend when the shooting erupted. Video footage captured the moment he confronted one of the gunmen, wrestled the weapon away, and successfully disarmed the attacker, averting a potentially more catastrophic outcome.
Subsequently, the gunman tackled by al-Ahmed was fatally shot by the police, while his son, who also sustained gunshot wounds, survived and has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder and terrorism-related charges.
Despite sustaining five gunshot wounds to his hand and arm from the second gunman, al-Ahmed underwent surgery and is on the path to recovery. Although he may face challenges in regaining full arm functionality due to nerve damage, visitors have reported his positive demeanor and gradual progress.
Hailed as a hero, al-Ahmed received praise from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who commended his bravery as an inspiration to the nation. Support for al-Ahmed has poured in globally, with donations exceeding $2.6 million on a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to aid his hospital recovery and post-trauma rehabilitation.
Flowers and messages of solidarity have been left by Australians outside both the hospital where al-Ahmed is recuperating and his shop, demonstrating widespread admiration and gratitude for his courageous actions.