Who is Ahmed al-Ahmed? The Sydney Fruit Shop Owner Who Risks Life to Stop Bondi Gunman

A 43-year-old fruit shop owner has been widely praised as a hero after he tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen during a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

The incident, which targeted a Jewish community celebration marking the first day of Hanukkah, left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured in Australia's deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades.

Video footage circulating on social media captured the dramatic moment when Ahmed al-Ahmed, unarmed and with no prior experience handling firearms, approached one of the attackers from behind. He seized the rifle, wrestled the gunman to the ground, and briefly pointed the weapon at him before police arrived. Al-Ahmed sustained two gunshot wounds in the struggle and was hospitalized, where he underwent surgery. His cousin, speaking to media outside the hospital, described him as "a hero 100 percent" and expressed hope for his recovery.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined in commending al-Ahmed's bravery, calling him and others who intervened "heroes" whose actions saved lives. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns echoed this, stating there were "many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery."

Police identified the alleged attackers as a father-and-son duo: 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was fatally shot by officers at the scene, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, who remains in critical condition in hospital under police guard. Authorities declared the shooting a terrorist incident, describing it as a targeted antisemitic attack on the Jewish community gathered for the "Chanukah by the Sea" event.

At least 15 victims were killed, with ages ranging from 10 to 87, and more than 40 others were hospitalised, including children. Among the deceased was Rabbi Eli Schlanger, an assistant rabbi at Chabad of Bondi and a key organizer of the event. An Israeli citizen was also reported among the victims.

Prime Minister Albanese convened an urgent national security meeting and condemned the attack as "an act of evil, antisemitism, and terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation." He emphasized that "an attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian" and vowed there is "no place for this hate, violence, and terrorism" in the country.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the Australian government's policies, claiming they contributed to rising antisemitism, and praised al-Ahmed as a "brave man" who stopped one of the terrorists.

The attack has prompted calls for tighter gun laws, with Albanese indicating reforms would be discussed at the national cabinet level. Investigations continue into the suspects' motives and access to firearms.

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