A wave of national support has swept across Australia for Ahmed al Ahmed, the man hailed as the Bondi Beach hero after he disarmed one of the alleged attackers during Sunday’s mass shooting in Sydney. Donations for the 43-year-old father of two have now exceeded A$1.1 million, reflecting the country’s admiration for his extraordinary bravery.
Ahmed al Ahmed Risked His Life to Stop the Gunman
According to reports, Ahmed—who initially took cover behind parked cars—charged at one of the gunmen from behind, wrestled the rifle out of the attacker’s hands and knocked him to the ground. Authorities say his intervention prevented further loss of life during what is now considered Australia’s worst mass shooting in nearly 30 years.
The attack, carried out by a 50-year-old man and his 24-year-old son at a Jewish celebration, left 15 people dead and many others injured.
GoFundMe Campaign Surges Past A$1.1 Million
A GoFundMe page created to support Ahmed and his recovery saw overwhelming public response, raising more than A$1.1 million within a single day. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman became the top donor, contributing A$99,999 and amplifying the fundraiser through his X account.
Outside St George Hospital, where Ahmed is recovering after surgery for gunshot wounds to his hand and arm, well-wishers have gathered to show solidarity.
Yomna Touni, representing a Muslim-run charity assisting Ahmed, said: “The intention is to raise as much money as possible for his speedy recovery.”
Prime Minister: Ahmed Showed “The Best of Humanity”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Ahmed’s actions as a moment of courage in the face of terror.
“What we’ve seen in the last 24 hours was the worst of humanity in a terrorist act. But we also saw an example of the best of humanity in Ahmed Al Ahmed running towards danger, putting his own life at risk,” Albanese told ABC News.
The Prime Minister confirmed that Ahmed was shot twice by a second assailant during the encounter.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has condemned the Bondi Beach attack as a devastating terrorist incident targeting Jewish Australians. He described the act as evil antisemitism and reaffirmed that there is no place for hatred or violence in Australia. #BondiAttack pic.twitter.com/x2REFSmOva
— LoudFact (@loudfactcom) December 14, 2025
Family Hails Him as a Hero
Ahmed’s father, Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, described his son as a protector by nature: “My son is a hero. He served in the police, he has the passion to defend people.”
He added that Ahmed’s conscience compelled him to act: “When he saw people lying on the ground and the blood, quickly his conscience pushed him to attack one of the terrorists and take away his weapon.”
Ahmed’s cousin, Jozay Alkanji, confirmed that he has undergone initial surgery and may require additional procedures as he continues his recovery.
