Kathmandu — The man captured on camera bravely disarming a gunman during a deadly attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has been identified as 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed.
In BBC-verified footage, Ahmed is seen running toward the armed attacker, seizing the gun, and forcing the shooter to retreat. His actions are believed to have prevented further loss of life.
Ahmed, a father of two who runs a fruit shop, is currently hospitalized. His family told Seven News Australia that he underwent surgery after being shot in the arm and hand.
The shooting, which took place on Sunday night, killed 15 people and left many others injured. The attack occurred during a Hanukkah celebration attended by more than 1,000 people. Police have described the incident as a “terrorist attack” targeting the Jewish community. Hanukkah is an annual Jewish festival.
Ahmed’s uncle, Mustafa, told Seven News Australia that his nephew was “100 percent a hero,” adding that he was shot twice. In a Monday morning update, Mustafa said Ahmed was stable and recovering, though the family was awaiting further updates from doctors.
Police confirmed that the two attackers were a father and son, aged 50 and 24. The older attacker was killed at the scene, while the younger remains hospitalized in critical condition.
The video of Ahmed disarming the attacker has been widely shared on social media. It shows a gunman firing from behind a palm tree near a small pedestrian bridge, while Ahmed initially takes cover behind a parked car before confronting him. After seizing the weapon and forcing the attacker back, Ahmed lowers the gun and raises one hand to signal to police that he was not one of the attackers.
Later footage shows the same attacker picking up another weapon and resuming fire from the bridge, while a second gunman also continues shooting. The video does not clearly show the targets or direction of the gunfire.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns praised Ahmed’s bravery during a Sunday night press conference, saying his actions saved many lives. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also hailed the courage shown by ordinary Australians who risked their lives to help others.
U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at a White House Christmas reception, also praised Ahmed, calling him “an incredibly brave man” who stepped forward to confront a gunman and save lives.
