Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43‑year‑old Sydney local who is being hailed as a hero after the deadly attack at Bondi Beach, has spoken publicly about why he intervened during the mass shooting that shocked Australia. In his first detailed interview since the incident, al Ahmed said his actions were driven by a simple but powerful instinct: he wanted to stop more innocent people from being killed.
The shooting occurred on 14 December 2025 during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, where two attackers opened fire on crowds, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens more. The attack has been widely described by authorities and commentators as an antisemitic terror incident, and it sparked national mourning along with calls for stronger measures against extremism.
Al Ahmed — originally from Syria and now a Sydney resident and father of two — was near the scene when the gunfire erupted. Video footage shared widely on social media shows him ducking between parked cars and rushing at one of the gunmen, tackling him and wresting his firearm away in a courageous effort to stop the violence. “My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being’s life and not killing innocent people,” he told CBS News in an interview that aired recently.
During the struggle, al Ahmed was shot multiple times and underwent several surgeries. Despite his injuries, he has expressed modesty about his role, saying he is deeply saddened by the loss of life even as he hopes his actions helped save others. “I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost,” he said, reflecting both his heroism and the tragedy of the event.
The response to his actions has been broad and deeply emotional. Australian officials, including the Premier of New South Wales, have praised al Ahmed’s bravery and credited him with potentially saving many lives. His story has resonated globally, with messages of support for both the victims and those who acted to protect them.
In the aftermath of the attack, families of the victims are demanding more robust national responses to antisemitism and security lapses, while the Australian government has launched inquiries into how the attack unfolded and how similar incidents might be prevented. The debate continues as the nation mourns and seeks unity in the face of violence.
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