Ahmed al Ahmed, hero of Bondi Beach shooting, stable after surgery, lauded by leaders

AUSTRALIA: Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Sydney fruit shop owner, is recovering in hospital after being shot in his left shoulder and hand while intervening in the mass shooting at Bondi Beach.

Bystanders say he likely saved many lives by ripping a gun from one of the attackers.

Ahmed underwent surgery on Monday and faces a months-long recovery, with further operations scheduled on Wednesday.

He is supported by his family, who are “equal parts worried and proud” of his heroism, according to Lubaba Alhmidi Alkahil, media director for the Australians for Syria Association.

Alkahil, who visited Ahmed with flowers and food, told the Australian Associated Press: “I think at least he needs six months to recover … it's badly damaged. He has two daughters, little kids. When he threw himself on that bad guy … he was just thinking how to save these people.”

Ahmed’s cousin, Mustafa Al-Asaad, said the Australian citizen originally from Syria told him: “God granted me courage to jump on the gunman. He wasn’t thinking of death when he saw bullets flying in the air.”

Prime Minister and Leaders Praise Heroism

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Ahmed in hospital and later shared a post on social media, saying:

"Ahmed, you are an Australian hero."

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who also visited Ahmed, called his actions “incredible bravery” and said on Facebook: “There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed's selfless courage.”

Former Prime Minister John Howard praised Ahmed’s actions as a reminder that the community should “not lose faith in the Australian achievement,” noting: “I understand he's a Muslim... that is a reminder that there are good people of every persuasion in this wonderful country.”

US President Donald Trump, speaking from the White House, said Ahmed had saved many lives and expressed “great respect” for him.

Bondi Beach Mass Shooting

Police said the attack occurred at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach just before 7pm on Sunday.

At least 16 people died, including one of the alleged gunmen, and many others were injured.

Authorities identified the suspects as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, currently in custody, and his 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, who was killed during the attack.

Video footage showed Ahmed approaching one of the gunmen from behind, forcing him to the ground, while the other continued firing from a nearby pedestrian bridge.

Community Response and Support

A GoFundMe campaign for Ahmed raised over A$200,000 (approximately US$132,900) within hours, with billionaire investor Bill Ackman contributing nearly A$100,000 (approximately US$66,450).

As Ahmed recovers in hospital, other acts of heroism during the attack have come to light.

Off-duty lifeguards and surf lifesavers ran under fire to move children to safety and provide emergency care, using surfboards as makeshift stretchers.

Surf clubs quickly ran out of bandages, and a pregnant woman went into labour after seeking shelter in a surf club before being rushed to hospital.

These stories, alongside Ahmed’s bravery, have drawn widespread praise from the public and leaders alike.