He Ran Toward Gunfire
Ahmed Al Ahmed was having coffee in Bondi when gunshots rang out on Sunday evening. The 43-year-old fruit shop owner saw people running for cover as two gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered for a Hanukkah event. One of the shooters crouched behind a tree. When the gunman appeared to run out of ammunition, Ahmed sprung into action.
Video footage shows Ahmed approaching from behind, locking the shooter in a bear hug and wrenching the rifle from his hands. Another civilian rushed in and threw an object at the attacker, forcing him to retreat toward the bridge where the second gunman was still firing.
It was a split-second decision that likely prevented more deaths.
Shot Multiple Times While Disarming Attacker
Ahmed was shot four to five times during the encounter, mainly in the shoulder. Several bullets remain lodged in his body, some suspected to be deep in the bone. He remains in hospital and is awaiting multiple surgeries.
His cousin Mustafa said Ahmed was stable, but still undergoing medical assessment.
“Absolutely he’s a hero. Absolutely,” he said, adding that Ahmed risked his life to save others.
“He saw people were dying”
Ahmed’s parents, Mohamed Fateh Al Ahmed and Malakeh Hasan Al Ahmed, arrived in Sydney from Syria only months ago and had been separated from their son since he moved to Australia in 2006.
Speaking from outside the hospital, his mother said her son acted instinctively.
“He saw they were dying, and people were losing their lives… when that guy ran out of ammo, he took it from him,” she said.
His father said Ahmed did not think about who he was saving.
“He doesn’t discriminate between one nationality and another,” he said. “Especially here in Australia there’s no difference between one citizen and another.”
Ahmed is a father of two young daughters.
Death Toll Stands at 15
At least 15 people were killed in the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87. Another 42 people were injured, with conditions ranging from stable to critical.
Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid Akram, 50, carried out the attack. Sajid Akram was killed during a police shootout.
Naveed Akram remains in hospital under police guard and is expected to face criminal charges. Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said lives were saved due to the actions of bystanders who acted in the chaos.
Help and Support Pour In
A fundraiser set up for Ahmed has raised more than $550,000 within 12 hours. Donations have continued to climb as tributes pour in for the man many now credit with saving lives.
For now, the scene remains stark: a civilian running toward danger, empty-handed, and a gun taken out of the attack.
Watch videos here:
@7newsadelaide The cousin of Ahmed al-Ahmed, the hero who fought back against the Bondi assailants, has given an update on his condition after he was shot twice during the horrific terror attack. Special live coverage continues on Channel 7 and 7plus.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Australian Teen Fights Social Media Ban That Could Change Online Life for Kids
Australian Woman Sets Friend on Fire Over Misogynistic Remark
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels ? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
