Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two and fruit shop owner from Sydney’s Sutherland area, has been hailed as a national hero after disarming one of the gunmen during Sunday’s deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach, where 12 people were killed during a Jewish Hanukkah celebration.
Relatives identified al Ahmed as the man seen in widely shared social media footage confronting one of the attackers at close range. In the video, al Ahmed, wearing a white T-shirt, is seen taking cover behind a parked car before lunging at the gunman from behind, grappling with him and wrenching the rifle from his hands. He then points the weapon toward the attacker, who retreats across a nearby car park.
Moments later, al Ahmed raises one hand and carefully places the gun against a tree, appearing to signal to police that he is not one of the attackers.
Al Ahmed remains in hospital after undergoing surgery for gunshot wounds to his arm and hand. His cousin, Mustafa, said doctors expect him to recover.
“He is still in hospital and we don’t know everything yet, but the doctors say he is OK,” Mustafa told Australian media. “He was shot twice, in the arm and the hand, and had to have an operation. He is a hero 100 per cent.”
The attack unfolded on Sunday evening when two gunmen opened fire from a pedestrian footbridge near the Bondi Pavilion, shooting into crowds of locals, tourists and families gathered along the beachfront. Panic erupted as people ran for cover, with multiple victims seen lying wounded on the grass at North Bondi while others were rushed into ambulances.
New South Wales Police confirmed that 12 people were killed and at least 29 injured, including children. One of the gunmen was shot dead at the scene, while the other was shot, arrested and remains in custody receiving medical treatment.
Authorities identified one of the attackers as Naveed Akram, 24, from Bonnyrigg in Sydney’s south-west. His home is being searched by police. Australia’s domestic intelligence agency, ASIO, later confirmed that Akram had previously been known to authorities, though not assessed as an imminent threat.
NSW Premier Chris Minns described al Ahmed as a “genuine hero,” while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised the courage shown by civilians who intervened during the attack.
“We have seen Australians run towards danger to help others,” Albanese said. “These Australians are heroes, and their bravery has saved lives.”
Speaking after a meeting of the National Security Committee, the prime minister condemned the attack as an act of hatred and terrorism, vowing accountability for all those involved. “There is no place for this violence in our nation,” he said, adding that Australians would respond with unity and solidarity, particularly with the Jewish community.
Police operations continued late into the night, with authorities urging the public to avoid the area as forensic teams secured the crime scene. While praise for first responders has been widespread, some witnesses questioned the speed of the initial response, particularly given recent violent incidents in the same part of Sydney.
As the investigation continues, al Ahmed’s actions have come to symbolize civilian courage amid tragedy a split-second decision by an ordinary man that likely prevented further loss of life on one of Australia’s most iconic beaches.
