Bondi Hero: Man who Disarmed Gunman Reflects on bravery and Loss
Table of Contents
A remarkable act of courage during a horrific attack has captivated the world, as Ahmed al-Ahmed, the man who disarmed one of the Bondi gunmen, speaks out about his harrowing experience and the profound emotional toll it has taken. Al-Ahmed, a tobacco shop owner from Sydney’s south, was shot five times after confronting the attacker on December 14th, but insists his only thought was saving lives.
A Moment of Courage in the Face of Terror
The incident unfolded during an attack on a Hanukkah event, where 15 people were tragically killed. Al-Ahmed, a tobacco shop owner from Sydney’s south, was enjoying coffee with his cousin when the shooting began. without hesitation, he sprang into action, tackling the gunman, identified as Sajid Akram. Footage of the struggle, widely shared globally, shows Al-Ahmed wrestling Akram to the ground and ultimately gaining control of the weapon.
“My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being’s life and not killing innocent people,” Al-Ahmed told CBS News. “I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost.”
Akram was later shot dead by police. His son,Naveed Akram,was also wounded and faces 59 charges related to the attack.
The Emotional Toll of Heroism
Al-Ahmed described a surge of adrenaline and a powerful instinct to protect others during the confrontation. “I jumped in his back, hit him. I hold him with my right hand and start saying a word, you know, like to warn him, ‘drop your gun, stop doing what you’re doing’,” he recounted to CBS. “And emotionally, I’m doing something, which is I feel something, a power in my body, my brain … I don’t want to see people killed in front of me, I don’t want to hear his gun, I don’t want to see people screaming and begging, asking for help, and that’s my soul asking me to do that.”
Despite his bravery, Al-Ahmed is deeply affected by the loss of life. He acknowledges saving numerous individuals but remains heartbroken by the tragedy.
Recovery and Outpouring of Support
Al-Ahmed is currently recovering in a Sydney hospital after undergoing three rounds of surgery. A member of the local Syrian-Australian community, who visited him last week, reported that he is recovering well. Though, he faces a long road to recovery, with doctors stating his left arm is not expected to regain full function for at least six months due to nerve damage.
The Australian Prime Minister, anthony Albanese, visited Al-Ahmed in hospital, praising his courage. “Your heart is strong, your courage is inspiring,” Albanese told him, as captured on video.
The outpouring of support has been overwhelming.Hundreds of notes and flowers have been left at Al-Ahmed’s sutherland tobacco shop, which is unlikely to reopen soon as he focuses on his recovery. According to Lubaba alhmidi AlKahil, media director for the Australians for Syria Association, Al-Ahmed needs time to rest and reconnect with his wife and daughters.
A community United in Gratitude
Al-Ahmed has received visits from dignitaries including the new South Wales premier, Chris Minns; the Australian governor general, Sam Mostyn, who conveyed personal thanks from King Charles; and David Ossip, the president of NSW’s Jewish Board of Deputies. He expressed feeling “very happy” and “very peaceful” by the widespread support he has received from diverse communities.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to support Al-Ahmed has raised an astonishing $2.5 million, demonstrating the profound gratitude of a nation.
Al-Ahmed’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the courage and compassion that can emerge even in the darkest of times. He embodies the spirit of selflessness,prioritizing the safety of others above his own,and his story will undoubtedly inspire for years to come.
