‘Hero’ who wrestled gun from Bondi shooter named as Ahmed al Ahmed
A “hero” bystander who was filmed struggling with the gun of one of the Bondi Beach attackers has been identified as Ahmed al Ahmed, 43.
Video verified by the BBC shows Mr Ahmed running towards the shooter and grabbing his gun, before turning the gun on him, forcing him to retreat.
Mr Ahmed, a fruit shop owner and father of two, remains in hospital, where he has undergone surgery for gunshot wounds to his arm and hand, his family told 7News Australia.
Fifteen people died and dozens were injured following Sunday night’s shooting, which took place as more than 1,000 people attended an event to celebrate Hanukkah. The attack has since been declared by police as a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community.
Mr Ahmed’s cousin Mustafa told 7News Australia: “He is still in hospital and we don’t know exactly what is going on, the doctor says he is fine.
“We hope he’s okay, he’s a hero, 100% he’s a hero. He has two bullets, one in the arm and one in the hand, he had to have surgery.”
Police say the two shooters involved were a father and son aged 50 and 24.
They confirmed the 50-year-old died at the scene while the 24-year-old remains hospitalized in a critical condition.
Footage of Mr Ahmed’s intervention was widely shared online.
It shows one of the gunmen standing behind a palm tree near a small pedestrian bridge, aiming and firing his weapon at an out-of-range target.
We see Mr. Ahmed, who was hiding behind a parked car, throwing himself at the attacker, whom he tackles.
He manages to snatch the attacker’s gun, pushes him to the ground and points the gun at him. The attacker steps back.
He then lowers his gun and raises one hand in the air, appearing to show police that he was not one of the shooters.
Nearby, on the bridge, another shooter continues firing. It is unclear who or what he is targeting.
Mr. Ahmed managed to snatch the attacker’s weapon during the struggle [BBC]
At a press conference on Sunday evening, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns paid tribute to the courage of Mr Ahmed, whose name was unknown at the time.
“This man is a true hero, and I am convinced that many people are still alive tonight because of his courage.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Today we saw Australians running into danger to help others.
“These Australians are heroes and their courage saved lives.”
