Key Takeaways
- Attack targeted Jewish Australians, leaving 12 dead and 29 injured
- Ahmed al Ahmed disarmed one gunman during Sydney beach attack
- The 43-year-old sustained two gunshot wounds during intervention
SYDNEY — A Muslim fruit shop owner tackled and disarmed a gunman during Saturday’s deadly shooting at Bondi Beach, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds while preventing further casualties.
Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, approached an attacker from behind, wrestled away a shotgun, and neutralized the threat during the assault that killed 12 people.
The Sydney local, father of two with no firearms experience, was shot twice during his intervention and underwent emergency surgery Saturday night.
Video footage shows el Ahmed grabbing the weapon from the attacker amid chaotic scenes at the popular beachfront.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the attack targeted Jewish Australians, with 12 fatalities and 29 injuries including two police officers. Authorities reported one suspect killed and another in custody following the violence.
Al Ahmed’s cousin Mustafa told 7News from the hospital that the shopowner acted instinctively to protect others.
Australia’s Muslim community representatives immediately condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with victims’ families.
US President Donald Trump called the bystander who stepped in ‘very very brave’ for saving lives during attack.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said Naveed Akram is Australian-born; his father arrived 1998 on student visa, shifted to partner visa in 2001, later held multiple resident return visas after overseas trips.
Neighbors of Naveed Akram revealed his background in TV interview, refuting social media claims he is Pakistani.
Neighbors confirmed Akram’s father is from India and mother is Italian.
Over $3 million raised for Ahmed al Ahmed
$3 million raised for bystander who tackled gunman in Bondi Beach terror attack. Ahmad Al Ahmed hailed global after viral clip showed him risking life to tackle gunman.
Ahmed, who moved from Syria to Australia in 2006, was seen crouching behind parked cars as the suspect fired bullets with his back turned.
Fundraiser for 43-year-old Sydney fruit seller tops $3 million, climbing rapidly by the minute.
Billionaire Bill Ackman, Jewish investor, donated $99,000 to GoFundMe for Sydney hero.
Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese calls him a “HERO”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also visited Ahmed al Ahmed in the hospital.
Last updated: 16 December 2025
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