The mass shooting that tragically targeted a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, on Sunday, was met with a remarkable act of bravery that has seen tributes and plaudits pour in from around the globe for Sydney ‘hero’ Ahmed al-Ahmed.
Amidst the chaos and horror, the local Sydney man risked his own life to disarm one of the attackers, an action that Australian and world leaders agree saved countless lives.
After disarming the ‘terrorist’, Al-Ahmed suffered multiple gunshot wounds – reports indicate he was shot two to five times, primarily in his arm and hand – and was taken to hospital.
He is reported to be in a critical but stable condition.
“He’s done the first surgery,” stated Jozay Alkanji, Ahmed’s cousin. “I think he’s got two or three surgeries, that depends on the doctor, what he says.”
His family has confirmed he is in pain but lucid. They told media that he does not regret his actions, with his father stating: “My son is a hero. He served in the police, he has the passion to defend people.”
Bondi Beach act of valour has made him a national hero
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visited him in the hospital and praised his “incredible bravery,” noting there is “no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for (al-Ahmed’s) selfless courage.”
“A real-life hero,” Minns commented. “It was an honour to meet him and pass on the thanks of people across NSW.”
The dramatic confrontation was captured on viral video footage. It shows al-Ahmed, who was reportedly having coffee nearby when the shooting began, crouching behind a parked car.
As one of the two alleged gunmen fired his weapon, al-Ahmed rushed toward the attacker, leaping on him and wrestling the long gun away. He then briefly pointed the weapon back at the gunman, forcing the attacker to retreat.
Al-Ahmed is then seen gently placing the weapon against a tree before raising his hands. However, he then subsequently came under fire during the frightening mass shooting that claimed the lives of 15 victims.
Fearless saviour
Al-Ahmed is a 43-year-old fruit shop owner and a father of two young girls, operating his business in the Sutherland Shire area of Sydney.
He is an Australian citizen of Syrian origin, from the city of Idlib. His parents arrived in Sydney just months ago.
