Ahmed Al Ahmed: The Heroic Civilian Who Disarmed Gunman During Deadly Sydney Bondi Beach Attack

Police confirmed that at least 11 people lost their lives in the shooting incident.

Across Australia, people are hailing a man as a "hero" following his courageous actions during a mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach, which has become the most lethal attack in the country in recent years. Widely circulated social media footage shows the unarmed individual confronting one of the gunmen while shots were being fired at civilians, an intervention believed to have prevented additional casualties.

The brief 15-second video depicts the man taking shelter behind parked vehicles before charging toward the gunman from behind. He seizes the attacker by the neck, removes his rifle, forces him to the ground, and then turns the weapon back at the assailant.

The courageous individual has been identified as Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit vendor. Reports indicate he sustained two gunshot wounds during the confrontation.

7News interviewed a man named Mustapha who identified himself as Ahmed's cousin. "He's currently hospitalized and we're uncertain about his exact condition," he stated.

"We remain hopeful that he will recover. He is absolutely a hero," Mustapha added.

Ahmed was scheduled for surgery later that evening. According to reports, he had no prior experience with firearms and was simply passing through the area when he decided to intervene.

Online, numerous people commended his bravery and quick response. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also referred to him as a "hero".

Authorities reported that at least 15 people were killed in the shooting, which targeted Jewish community members during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Twenty-nine individuals were hospitalized, including a child.

Police confirmed on Monday that the two alleged gunmen were a father and son.

The father, aged 50, was killed at the scene, bringing the total death toll to 16, while his 24-year-old son remained in critical condition at the hospital. The father and son were identified as Sajid Akram and Naveed Akram, respectively.

New South Wales Police stated that the attack occurred as hundreds gathered to observe the first day of Hanukkah and has been classified as a terrorist incident. Among the victims was an Israeli citizen, according to Israel's foreign ministry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the national security committee was immediately convened following the attack.

"A devastating terrorist incident has occurred at Bondi during the Hanukkah by the sea celebration. This was a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah, which should be a day of joy and celebration of faith. This act of evil, anti-Semitism, and terrorism has struck at the heart of our nation," he declared.

"An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian. There is no place for this hate, violence, and terrorism in our nation. Let me be clear - we will eradicate it," he emphasized.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Australia's government of contributing to rising antisemitism prior to the attack.

"Three months ago, I wrote to the Australian prime minister that your policy is pouring oil on the fire of antisemitism," he said, referencing a letter sent to Anthony Albanese in August after Canberra announced it would recognize Palestinian statehood.

"Antisemitism is a cancer that spreads when leaders are silent and do not act," Netanyahu added during a televised address at an event in southern Israel.