A SYDNEY fruit shop owner who wrestled a rifle from one of the alleged attackers during the deadly Bondi Beach shooting is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand, his family said, as tributes pour in for what leaders have described as an extraordinary act of bravery.
Reuters, on Monday, cited Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, was identified on social media as the bystander seen in widely shared video footage hiding behind parked cars before charging from behind towards the gunman, seizing his weapon and forcing him to the ground amid the chaos.
Australian police said on Monday that the attack on a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon was carried out by a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son, leaving 15 people dead in what authorities have described as the country’s worst mass shooting in almost three decades.
Ahmed’s cousin, Mustafa, told 7News Australia that doctors had informed the family that Ahmed was in a stable condition following surgery.
“He is a hero, he is a hundred percent hero,” Mustafa said. “Still he is in the hospital and we don't know exactly what's going on inside ... but we hope he will be fine.”
The dramatic intervention has drawn widespread praise from political leaders and members of the public in Australia and abroad, many of whom credited Ahmed’s actions with saving lives.
US President Donald Trump described Ahmed as “a very, very brave person” who helped prevent further bloodshed. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said Ahmed was “a genuine hero” and called the footage of the confrontation “the most unbelievable scene I've ever seen”.
Public support has also translated into financial assistance. A GoFundMe campaign established to support Ahmed and his family raised more than A$200,000 within a few hours. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman emerged as the largest single donor, contributing A$99,999 and sharing the fundraiser on his account on X.
As Ahmed continues his recovery, his actions have become a powerful symbol of courage and solidarity in the aftermath of an attack that has left Australia in mourning and renewed debate over public safety and extremism. - December 15, 2025
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