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Sunday 22/02/2026

Heroic Bystander Disarms Gunman During Bondi Beach Terror Attack

Fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed disarming a gunman at Bondi Beach
Sofia RomanoSofia Romano

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, disarmed a gunman during the Bondi Beach shooting, hailed as a hero.
  • The attack, declared a terrorist incident, targeted a Hanukkah celebration, resulting in at least 16 deaths and 40 injuries.
  • The shooters were identified as a father and son; the father died at the scene, while the son remains in critical condition.
  • Ahmed, who was shot in the arm and hand, is recovering in hospital after surgery, with his family expressing pride in his actions.
  • Australian authorities and citizens have praised the bravery of bystanders and first responders in the face of the attack.

In a remarkable act of bravery, Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, disarmed a gunman during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Australia. The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, has been declared a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community. The tragic event resulted in at least 16 deaths and left 40 others injured.

The Heroic Act

Video footage verified by multiple sources shows Ahmed al Ahmed courageously confronting one of the gunmen. As the attacker fired into the crowd, Ahmed, hiding behind a parked car, leapt into action. He tackled the gunman, wrestled the weapon from his hands, and forced him to retreat. Despite being shot in the arm and hand, Ahmed managed to disarm the attacker, an act that has been widely praised as heroic.

The Attack and Its Aftermath

The shooting unfolded on Sunday night as more than 1,000 people gathered to celebrate Hanukkah. Authorities have identified the shooters as a father and son duo, aged 50 and 24. The father was killed at the scene, while the son remains in critical condition. The incident has been described as a targeted attack on the Jewish community, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemning the violence as "beyond comprehension."

Community and Family Reactions

Ahmed's family, who have been by his side at the hospital, expressed their pride in his actions. His cousin Mustafa described him as a hero, stating, "He risked his life to save others." Ahmed's parents, who recently traveled from Syria to Australia, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their son's disregard for nationality in his selfless act.

National Response

The attack has prompted an outpouring of support and solidarity from across Australia. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Albanese have both praised the courage of everyday Australians and first responders who acted swiftly to protect others. The incident has sparked discussions on community safety and the resilience of the Australian spirit in the face of terror.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As the investigation into the Bondi Beach shooting continues, authorities are likely to focus on understanding the motives behind the attack and any potential connections to broader terrorist networks. The incident may prompt increased security measures at public events, particularly those involving minority communities. Experts suggest that the bravery displayed by Ahmed al Ahmed and others could inspire a renewed emphasis on community vigilance and preparedness in the face of such threats. The Australian government may also face pressure to address concerns about domestic terrorism and ensure the safety of all citizens, regardless of their background or faith.