A bystander filmed wrestling a gun from one of the Bondi Beach attackers has been named as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed. BBC-verified video shows Mr Ahmed run at a gunman, seize his weapon, turn it on him and force his retreat.
Mr Ahmed, a fruit shop owner and father of two, remains in hospital after surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand, his family told 7News Australia. Fifteen people died and dozens were injured in the shooting on Sunday night during a Hanukkah event attended by more than 1,000 people; police have declared it a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community.
His cousin Mustafa told 7News on Sunday: “He is a hero, 100% he is a hero. He has two shots, one in his arm and one in his hand.” Mustafa later said he hoped Mr Ahmed would be fine and that doctors were still assessing him.
Police say the two shooters were a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The 50-year-old died at the scene; the 24-year-old remains in hospital in critical condition.
Footage of Mr Ahmed’s intervention, widely shared online, shows a gunman standing behind a palm tree near a pedestrian bridge, aiming and firing. Mr Ahmed, initially hiding behind a parked car, leaps out, tackles the attacker, wrestles the gun away, pushes him to the ground and points the weapon at him. The attacker retreats back toward the bridge. Mr Ahmed then lowers the weapon and raises a hand, appearing to show police he was not one of the shooters. The same attacker is later seen on the bridge picking up another weapon and firing; another gunman also fires from the bridge.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called Mr Ahmed “a genuine hero” and said many people were alive because of his bravery. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised those who ran toward danger to help others, calling them heroes whose actions saved lives. Speaking at a White House reception, US President Donald Trump also praised Mr Ahmed’s bravery.
