On the morning of Sunday, 14 December 2025, Ahmed Al-Ahmed was an ordinary father enjoying a coffee with his cousin at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach. By nightfall, his courageous actions amidst a horrific terror attack would see him hailed as a global hero.
A Scene of Horror on Bondi Beach
The peaceful Hanukkah by the Sea event was shattered by the sound of gunshots. Alleged terrorists Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed stood on a footbridge near Bondi Pavilion, firing into the crowd. The attack claimed 15 lives and left dozens injured, with local media reporting 22 people still hospitalised across Sydney.
Amidst the chaos, Mr. Al-Ahmed's instincts took over. The 43-year-old, originally from Idlib in Syria and a former policeman in his home country, saw people falling. "When he saw those people on the ground covered in blood, his conscience and his morals compelled him," his father, Mohammad Fatih Al-Ahmed, later explained.
The Act of Bravery That Stopped a Gunman
Video footage captured the pivotal moment. Mr. Al-Ahmed, fearing for his life, asked his cousin Jozay Alkanj to pass a message to his family: "I'm going to die - please see my family and tell them that I went down to save people's lives." He then rushed at Sajid Akram from behind, tackling him and wrestling away his rifle.
The gunman fell to the ground as Mr. Al-Ahmed lifted the firearm, aiming it at the disarmed shooter but choosing not to fire. After resting the weapon against a tree, a second bystander intervened. During the altercation, the second alleged gunman, Naveed Akram, watched from the footbridge before shooting Mr. Al-Ahmed in the shoulder.
The heroic father of two young girls sustained five gunshot wounds and has since undergone multiple surgeries. His family revealed he told a cousin, "God gave me courage... I believe I'm going to stop this person killing people."
Global Acclaim and a Community's Gratitude
Mr. Al-Ahmed's selfless act has drawn praise from across the world. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, "We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others. These Australians are heroes." NSW Premier Chris Minns called him a "genuine hero" whose actions saved many lives.
Even former US President Donald Trump commended his bravery. The religion of the victims, Jewish worshippers celebrating Hanukkah, was irrelevant to Mr. Al-Ahmed. His father emphasised, "He doesn't discriminate between one nationality and another."
A GoFundMe campaign set up to support his recovery has raised over £1.47 million, including a substantial donation from Wall Street financier Bill Ackman. Flowers and notes left outside his Sutherland tobacconist shop, which he began running in 2021, simply read "The Bondi Hero."
Ahmed Al-Ahmed, who came to Australia on a student visa in 2006 and gained citizenship in 2022, remains in hospital. His mother said, "We pray that God saves him," as a nation gives thanks for an ordinary man who performed an extraordinary act of courage.
