Video: Australian PM, others laud ‘real-life hero’ Ahmed al-Ahmed for disarming Bondi Beach terrorist
Abdullateef Fowewe
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, has visited 43-year-old hero Ahmed al-Ahmed at St. George Hospital, praising the Muslim father of two for his daring act during a deadly terror attack at Bondi Beach.
In a heartfelt video post on Tuesday, Albanese declared, “Ahmed, you are an Australian hero. You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger on Bondi Beach and disarming a terrorist.”
The attack unfolded Sunday night during a Hanukkah celebration, when a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son—described by police as a “cell” targeting the Jewish community opened fire with rifles.
At least 15 people were killed, dozens wounded, and one attacker reportedly died in the chaos, marking one of Australia’s deadliest incidents in decades.
Hidden behind parked cars, al-Ahmed, a fruit shop owner, charged one gunman from behind, tackled him, and wrestled away his rifle.
Shot twice in the process, he underwent surgery and is now recovering.
His family described the act as a “matter of conscience,” insisting he couldn’t stand by as innocents died.
Albanese continued in his post on X, “In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians. On behalf of every Australian, I say thank you.”
He added, “In the face of terrorism, coming together is the most important thing we can do.”
New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns echoed the praise on X, “Ahmed is a real-life hero, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives. There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage.”
The story resonated globally. U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders posted, “Ahmed al Ahmed risked his life to disarm a murderer who was shooting down Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Sydney.
“Religion must not divide our common humanity. We must stand together and end antisemitism, Islamophobia and all hate.”
President Donald Trump paused a White House press event to commend al-Ahmed, crediting him with saving “a lot of lives.”
Australian federal and state governments, alongside the AFP and New South Wales Police, pledged full support to protect Jewish communities and continue investigations.
