Australia Bondi Beach Attack: From Sydney to the World, Ahmed Al Ahmed Is Praised for Heroic Actions
Ahmed Al Ahmed
Australians are hailing Ahmed al Ahmed as a hero after dramatic footage showed him disarming a gunman during a deadly mass shooting at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, an attack authorities say targeted the Jewish community during a Hanukkah celebration.
The incident, described by police as the deadliest attack in Australia in years, unfolded as hundreds of people gathered to mark the first night of Hanukkah. Video shared widely on social media shows the unarmed man hiding behind parked cars before sprinting toward the shooter as gunfire rang out.
In the 15-second clip, Ahmed is seen grabbing the gunman from behind, pulling away his rifle, forcing him to the ground, and then pointing the weapon back at him — a move widely credited with preventing further bloodshed.
Related Trump Claims ‘Truckloads’ of Proof Are Coming to Back His Rigged 2020 Election Allegations
Australian broadcaster 7News identified the man as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit seller. The outlet reported that he was shot twice during the attack and rushed to hospital, where he was scheduled to undergo surgery later that night.
Speaking to 7News, a man identified as Mustapha, Ahmed’s cousin, said the family was anxiously awaiting updates. “He’s in hospital and we don’t know exactly what’s going on inside,” he said. “We do hope he will be fine. He’s a hero, 100 per cent.”
After Brown University, massive shooting was seen during the festival of Hanukkah on the Jewish people at Bondi Beach in Sydney Australia
— Dennis jacob (@12431djm) December 14, 2025
Seen here is a brave man single handedly taking down on the shooter
Incredible pic.twitter.com/DfoFzVKYjv
According to reports, Ahmed had no experience with firearms and was simply walking past the area when he decided to intervene, acting on instinct as civilians fled for safety.
Police said at least 11 people were killed in the attack and 29 others were taken to hospital, including a child. Authorities confirmed two suspects were involved: one is dead, while the other remains in critical condition. Explosive devices were also discovered and removed from a nearby vehicle.
New South Wales Police said the shooting has been declared a terrorist incident. The victims include an Israeli citizen, according to Israel’s foreign ministry.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Ahmed’s actions and called him a “hero,” while announcing that Australia’s national security committee had been convened urgently following the attack.
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah — a day that should be about joy and faith,” Albanese said. “This was an act of evil, antisemitism, and terrorism that has struck at the heart of our nation.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Australia’s government of failing to adequately confront rising antisemitism, linking the attack to broader political tensions in a televised address from Israel.
As the investigation continues, Ahmed al Ahmed’s split-second decision has become a powerful symbol of courage, with many Australians crediting his actions with saving countless lives during one of the country’s darkest days.
