Ahmed al Ahmed, hailed as a hero after the deadly Bondi Beach shooting, has recalled the terrifying moment he ran towards one of the attackers and wrestled a gun from him, saying his only aim was to protect “innocent people”, according to an interview published Monday by a US media outlet.
Father and son Sajid and Naveed Akram are accused of attacking a Hanukkah gathering on Sydney’s Bondi Beach on December 14, killing 15 people and injuring dozens in what authorities have described as an antisemitic terrorist assault.
Amid the devastation, stories emerged of bystanders who tried to halt the two gunmen as chaos unfolded along the beach. One of the most striking accounts was that of Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit seller whose actions were captured on video showing him taking cover between parked cars before confronting one of the assailants and disarming him.
“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,” he told CBS News in an interview airing Monday.
“I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the loss.”
Ahmed was shot multiple times in the shoulder during the struggle and later underwent several surgeries as doctors worked to treat his injuries.
He described how he “jumped” onto the gunman’s back, restraining him with his right hand while shouting, “Drop your gun, stop doing what you’re doing”.
“I don’t want to see people killed in front of me, I don’t want to see blood, I don’t want to hear his gun, I don’t want to see people screaming and begging, asking for help,” Ahmed said during the interview.
He explained that he had simply been at the beach to buy a cup of coffee when the attack suddenly began.
Ahmed, a father of two, moved to Australia from Syria in 2007. Speaking days after the attack from Ahmed’s hometown of Al-Nayrab, his uncle Mohammed told AFP the family felt deep pride over his actions.
“His act is a source of pride for us and for Syria,” Mohammed said.
Australian authorities have since fast-tracked and approved several visas for Ahmed’s relatives, according to local media reports.
“Ahmed has shown the courage and values we want in Australia,” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement.
One of the attackers, Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene. An Indian national, he entered Australia on a visa in 1998.
His son, Naveed Akram, 24, an Australian-born citizen, remains in custody facing charges including terrorism, 15 counts of murder, committing a “terrorist act” and planting a bomb with intent to cause harm. He has not yet entered a plea.
What you should know
The Bondi Beach shooting is one of the deadliest terror-related attacks in Australia’s recent history and has sparked renewed discussions around public safety, extremism, and community resilience.
Ahmed al Ahmed’s intervention is widely credited with preventing further loss of life, highlighting the role of civilian bravery during crises.
His actions have drawn praise across Australia and internationally, with the government recognising his conduct as embodying national values of courage and solidarity in the face of violence.
