He is now known as the Bondi hero. Ahmed al Ahmed had a special visitor in hospital today, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meeting him as he recovers from his injuries.
Ahmed, 43, is recovering at St George’s Hospital, Sydney, after being shot while tackling and disarming one of the attackers at Bondi Beach on Sunday. Despite being hit several times, he managed to seize the man’s weapon and stop further harm.
The Prime Minister described him as a true Australian hero and said he was humble about what he had done. “You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger on Bondi Beach and disarming a terrorist… Your courage is very inspiring,” he told Ahmed.
“Ahmed al Ahmed represents the best of our country. We will now allow this country to be divided. That is what the terrorists seek. We will unite, we will embrace each other and we will get through this. We are a brace country,” the Prime Minister said.
Ahmed had been at Bondi Beach on Sunday with friends and relatives, trying to get a cup of coffee when gunfire erupted. He found himself at a moment where people were being shot in front of him.
The 43-year-old man, an owner of a fruit shop in Sutherland and father of two, was shot twice as he charged the attacker, wrestled the rifle from his hands and turned it on him as the gunman retreated.
Video of the moment quickly spread online, showing the unarmed man grappling with the attacker.
The Age reported that Ahmed, who arrived in Australia from Syria in 2006 and became a citizen in 2022, felt a strong sense of responsibility to the community that welcomed him. He told those close to him that he does not regret his actions and would do the same again, despite being in severe pain. His migration lawyer, Sam Issa, said the injuries have taken a heavy toll.
His actions have drawn praise from around the world, including from US President Donald Trump, who described him as “a very brave person” who saved many lives.
The Bondi Beach attack, which has now claimed 16 lives, has shocked the world, but Ahmed’s courage has been widely recognised as an example of extraordinary bravery by an ordinary member of the public.
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