The man who risked his life to tackle and disarm one of the gunmen during the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack has spoken publicly for the first time as he recovers in hospital, describing a moment of fear, faith and instinct.
Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old Sydney shopkeeper, remains in St George Hospital after undergoing surgery for multiple gunshot wounds sustained while intervening during the attack on Sunday evening.
Despite his injuries, he has been widely praised by political leaders and community members for an act of bravery that is believed to have saved lives.
In a video message shared by Turkish broadcaster TRT World, Mr al-Ahmed thanked supporters and asked for prayers. “I appreciate the efforts of everyone,” he said. “May God reward you and grant you wellbeing. I went through a very difficult phase — only God knows it. I ask my mother to pray for me.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Mr al-Ahmed in hospital on Tuesday morning, describing him as “the best of our country” and praising his humility and courage.
“He was simply going to get a cup of coffee when he found himself witnessing people being shot,” Mr Albanese said. “He chose to act.”
The Prime Minister also met Mr al-Ahmed’s parents, who had travelled from Syria to be with their son, and said they were immensely proud of him. Albanese later confirmed that Mr al-Ahmed’s heroism would be formally recognised.
NSW Premier Chris Minns visited Mr al-Ahmed on Monday night, while former Prime Minister John Howard also publicly acknowledged his actions, describing them as “the single greatest act of courage” seen during the attack.
Mr al-Ahmed, a Syrian-born Australian citizen and father of two young daughters, is understood to have sustained several bullet wounds to his upper body and arm. His recovery is ongoing, with family and supporters remaining by his side.
His bravery has resonated deeply within his local community. When local resident Laurie Antoniadis realised the man who had tackled the shooter was the tobacconist from his neighbourhood, he went to Mr al-Ahmed’s closed shop to pay his respects.
“I wanted to come over and say thank you,” Mr Antoniadis told The Sydney Morning Herald. “He is a wonderful man. I thought it was a very brave act that he did.”
A GoFundMe campaign established to support Mr al-Ahmed and his family during his recovery has attracted an outpouring of public support, raising more than $1.7 million within days, as thousands of Australians donate in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.
Friends and relatives have said Mr al-Ahmed acted purely out of instinct and a sense of responsibility to others around him.
His actions, widely described as selfless and heroic, have become a powerful counterpoint to the violence of the attack – a reminder, many have said, of the courage and humanity that can emerge even in moments of profound tragedy.
Source: The Guardian
