An individual hailed as a ‘hero’ has gained widespread attention for his courageous actions in disarming one of the alleged gunmen involved in the Bondi Beach terror attack.
At around 18.47 local time today (Sunday, December 14), police in New South Wales responded to reports of gunfire at Bondi Beach, where over 1,000 individuals were gathered to celebrate the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah.
Authorities have confirmed that 12 individuals have lost their lives, including one of the alleged attackers. Another suspect is in critical condition, and more than 29 people, including a child and two officers, have been hospitalized for their injuries.
This tragic event in Sydney has been labeled a terrorist attack and is now considered the deadliest shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
Social media is now inundated with videos from witnesses and bystanders, capturing terrifying moments as the suspected shooters hid on a bridge leading to the beach and fired at civilians.
Additional footage reveals the chaos that ensued, as hundreds of people fled the area.
Another viral video showcases a civilian taking decisive action, earning global praise for his quick and brave intervention, which potentially saved many lives.
The remarkable footage depicts a man in a light t-shirt and black trousers crouched behind a parked car. The alleged suspect can be seen firing his weapon with his back turned.
Moments later, the courageous bystander discreetly approaches the suspect, then suddenly lunges to subdue him, leading to a dramatic struggle to disarm the shooter.
The tension heightens as the shooter appears to retain control of the weapon until the civilian successfully wrests it away.
As the suspect attempts to flee, the bystander points the weapon at him, prompting his retreat. The civilian then gently places the weapon against a tree and seeks cover.
The sound of gunfire continues in the background, and the video shifts focus to the other suspect, still firing from the bridge.
It captures another bystander entering the frame and throwing an object at the now unarmed and retreating shooter.
The second shooter continues to fire before a bullet strikes the side of the bridge near his location.
The footage then returns to the two civilians, who are now taking cover behind a tree. The individual who threw the object is seen reaching for the weapon, appearing to be injured.
Police soon approach the man on the bridge, reportedly neutralizing the threat.
The man who disarmed the suspect has been identified as Ahmed Al Ahmed, a father of two who owns a fruit shop.
His cousin informed 7News Australia that the 43-year-old has no prior experience with firearms and is currently hospitalized with gunshot wounds to his arm and shoulder.
Premier Chris Minns commended Ahmed’s actions, stating: “That man is a genuine hero, and I’ve got no doubt there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”
Police have also confirmed the deployment of a bomb disposal unit after the discovery of a vehicle potentially containing several improvised explosives.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the nation, condemning the attack as “an act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”
Albanese remarked that the attack on the Jewish community occurred on a day meant for joy, emphasizing that there is no room for such “vile acts of violence and hate.”