Updated on: December 14, 2025 / 9:53 PM EST / CBS/AFP
A fruit shop owner who risked his life to disarm one of the gunmen during an antisemitic terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach is being hailed as a hero.
Authorities said two gunmen, a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son, killed at least 15 people and wounded many more during a Hanukkah celebration near the famous beach. The 50-year-old attacker was also killed and the 24-year-old was hospitalized in serious condition, New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said.
Following the deadly Sunday shooting, videos circulating on social media show a man crouched behind a parked car along Campbell Parade, the main street parallel to Bondi Beach. One clip shows him spring up and tackle one of the suspects, who had just fired his weapon toward something out of view.
Local media identified the man as 43-year-old fruit seller Ahmed al Ahmed. He wrestled the gun away and pointed it at the shooter, who backed away. 7News reported that al Ahmed suffered two gunshot wounds.
A man who said he was Ahmed’s cousin, Mustapha, told the outlet his relative was in hospital and the family did not yet know the full extent of his injuries. “We do hope he will be fine. He’s a hero 100%,” he said.
The footage of the encounter has gone viral, and Ahmed has been widely praised online for bravery and quick action that many say likely saved lives.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called al Ahmed a “genuine hero,” saying that amid the tragedy there are “wonderful, brave Australians” willing to risk their lives for strangers.
U.S. President Trump, speaking at an event at the White House, said the man’s actions “saved a lot of lives,” describing him as “very, very brave” and noting he was “pretty seriously wounded” and in hospital.
Police remained at the scene, and investigations into the attack and its motives were ongoing.