Ahmed al Ahmed, an Australian immigrant, is being described as a bystander who acted heroically to subdue a gunman during an attack on Bondi Beach. Fox News reports, according to his migration lawyer, he would do the same again, despite being wounded and facing ongoing health struggles. The incident left at least 15 people dead and has been characterized by officials as an act of antisemitic terrorism targeting the Jewish community on Hanukkah.
Ahmed, 44, originally from Syria and now an Australian citizen since 2022, reportedly wrestled the gun away from one of the shooters and sustained multiple gunshot wounds, yet his lawyer, Sam Issa, says he would repeat his actions if confronted with the same situation, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
“He doesn’t regret what he did. He said he’d do it again. But the pain has started to take a toll on him,” Issa said after visiting the heroic gentleman Monday night. “He’s not well at all. He’s riddled with bullets. Our hero is struggling at the moment.”
The wounded man is a Muslim father of two young daughters, aged five and six, who arrived in Australia from Syria in 2006 and obtained citizenship in 2022. His lawyer says Ahmed views his actions as an expression of gratitude to the country that granted him safety and a new life, emphasizing that he acted as a member of the community rather than seeking recognition.
“Ahmed’s a humble man, he’s not interested in coverage, he just did what he was compelled to do as a human being on that day,” Issa said.
The attack happened on Bondi Beach on the first day of Hanukkah and was described by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese as an act of “pure evil,” antisemitism and terrorism directed at the Jewish community. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the attack and the possible involvement of additional accomplices.