Bondi shooting: Australian PM hails Ahmed al-Ahmed as ‘the best of our country’

WEB DESK: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday visited Ahmed al-Ahmed at a Sydney hospital, praising the wounded bystander for extraordinary courage after he confronted an armed attacker during the Bondi Beach shooting.

Al-Ahmed, 43, was injured while intervening in the attack on Sunday evening, when he wrested a weapon from one of the alleged gunmen, an act authorities say helped prevent further loss of life. He is recovering at St George Hospital in Sydney’s south after undergoing surgery for two gunshot wounds and is expected to require additional medical treatment.

Speaking from his hospital bed in a video shared by Turkey’s state broadcaster TRT World, the Syrian-born shopkeeper thanked supporters and offered prayers in Arabic. He described the ordeal as an extremely difficult experience and asked his mother to pray for his recovery, while expressing gratitude to those who had shown concern and solidarity.

Albanese spent nearly half an hour with al-Ahmed, calling him “the best of our country” and commending his selflessness. In remarks to reporters, the prime minister said al-Ahmed had been going about an ordinary task when he was suddenly confronted with violence and chose to act to protect others. He described him as a humble man whose bravery had inspired Australians across the country.

The governor-general, Sam Mostyn, also visited al-Ahmed, bringing flowers from Admiralty House and conveying thanks on behalf of the Australian public and King Charles, who she said had asked to be updated on his condition. Mostyn said the public response reflected deep appreciation for what she called a moment of exceptional heroism, adding that al-Ahmed had already been nominated multiple times for a bravery award.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns and former prime minister John Howard also publicly praised al-Ahmed’s actions, highlighting them as a reminder of the courage shown by ordinary citizens in moments of crisis.

A fundraising campaign established to support al-Ahmed has drawn overwhelming support, raising more than $2 million from donors around the world, including prominent international contributors.