Australian media has identified the man seen tackling one of the Bondi Beach shooters as Ahmed al Ahmed, a Muslim father of two who has been hospitalised after sustaining gunshot injuries.
According to Australia’s 7NEWS, Ahmed was shot twice while risking his life to wrestle a weapon from one of the attackers during the mass shooting. A relative of Ahmed spoke to the channel from outside the hospital, confirming his role in the incident.
Mustafa, Ahmed’s cousin, said the 43-year-old saved many lives by confronting the gunman. “He was just walking past and made a split-second decision,” Mustafa said. “He has no experience with guns. He is a father of two and runs a fruit shop in Sutherland.”
“He is in hospital and we do not know exactly what is happening inside,” Mustafa added. “We hope he will be fine. He is a hero, one hundred percent.”
Reports said Ahmed was due to undergo surgery later that night. Videos circulating on social media earlier showed a man grappling with one of the shooters as chaos unfolded at the crowded beach.
At least 12 people were killed and 29 others injured in Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Australian police confirmed that one of the deceased was among the attackers and that several police officers responding to the incident were also injured.
Authorities said the threat is no longer active and that two suspects are currently in custody. Some reports have suggested that there may have been three attackers, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.
The identities and motives of the attackers have not been formally established by police. However, politicians have described the incident as a terrorist attack. Media reports have also claimed that the shooting targeted a Jewish event marking Hannukkah, though investigators have not yet verified this information.
