Bondi Beach Terror Hero Ahmed al Ahmed: The Man Who Tackled a Massacre

He stared down the barrel of a gun and didn't blink. Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian-born shop owner in Sydney, has opened up about the heart-stopping moment he tackled a gunman to save lives during a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14.

Bondi Beach Terror Hero Ahmed al Ahmed: Anatomy of Courage

In an exclusive interview, the father-of-two recounted how he wrestled a long-arm gun from Sajid Akram, 50, who was opening fire on a Hanukkah event. Despite being shot multiple times by a second gunman, Ahmed’s intervention likely prevented an even higher death toll. The attack, which claimed 15 lives and injured 40 others, is Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996. Police have since confirmed it was a targeted terrorist incident.

A Nation Rallies Behind Its Best

Ahmed's recovery has been supported by a massive wave of community gratitude. Over A$2.5 million (approx. $1.7 million) was raised to aid his medical expenses after he underwent three operations. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese hailed him as "the best of our country" during a hospital visit. While the elder Akram was killed by police, his son Naveed now faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder.