SYDNEY (MNN); A Muslim bystander who bravely tackled and disarmed a gunman during a deadly shooting at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach is being widely hailed as a hero, as updated figures confirm at least 16 people were killed and around 40 others injured, including two police officers.
The attack unfolded on Sunday evening when two terrorists opened fire on crowds gathered for the Jewish holiday event. Police said one attacker was shot dead at the scene, while the second was apprehended in an injured condition and taken into custody. Authorities confirmed the situation is now under control and investigations into the motive and planning of the attack are ongoing. The incident has been declared an act of antisemitic terrorism.
Video footage circulating widely on social media shows a civilian approaching one of the armed attackers from behind in a nearby car park. The man can be seen wrestling the rifle away from the gunman, pointing it at him and forcing him to retreat before placing the weapon on the ground. Police officials believe the intervention prevented further bloodshed.
Australian media identified the bystander as Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Muslim resident of Sydney, a fruit shop owner and father of two. According to his family, Al Ahmed was shot twice in the arm and hand during the incident and was rushed to hospital, where he underwent surgery. His condition is reported to be stable.
His cousin, Mustafa, told local media that the family was proud of his actions. “We hope he will be fine. He is a hero, one hundred percent,” he said.
The courageous act drew praise from leaders across Australia and abroad. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the footage as the most unbelievable scene he had ever witnessed, saying there was no doubt many lives were saved because of the man’s bravery. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also commended Australians who ran toward danger to help others, calling them heroes whose actions saved lives.
Police acknowledged the bystander’s role but said formal identification procedures were still underway. Security has been heightened across Sydney and other major cities following the attack, which is being described as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, despite the country’s strict gun control laws.
