Donations for Sydney hero who disarmed Bondi Beach gunman top A$1.1 million

SYDNEY: Donations for a Sydney man who wrestled a gun from one of the attackers during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach have surpassed A$1.1 million ($744,000), as he recovers in hospital following surgery for gunshot wounds.

Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, a Muslim father of two, hid behind parked cars before charging at one of the gunmen from behind, seizing his rifle and knocking him to the ground.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Ahmed’s bravery, saying it saved lives.

“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.

Ahmed was reportedly shot twice by a second attacker, sustaining injuries to his hand and arm.

Australian police said a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son carried out the attack at a Jewish celebration on Sunday, killing 15 people in the country’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years.

Hailed a Hero

Ahmed’s father, Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, told ABC News that his son is an Australian citizen and works selling fruits and vegetables.

“My son is a hero. He served in the police and has the passion to defend people,” he said. “When he saw people lying on the ground in blood, his conscience pushed him to attack one of the terrorists and take away his weapon.”

Ahmed’s cousin, Jozay Alkanji, said he had undergone initial surgery and might require further treatment.

Tributes Pour In

Leaders both in Australia and abroad have lauded Ahmed’s actions.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, visited Ahmed at St George Hospital and shared a photo of him propped on pillows with his left arm in a cast. “Ahmed is a real-life hero. Thank you, Ahmed,” Minns said.

U.S. President Donald Trump also called Ahmed “a very, very brave person” who saved many lives.

A GoFundMe campaign set up for Ahmed raised over A$1.1 million within a day. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman was the largest donor, contributing A$99,999 and sharing the fundraiser on his X account.

Community Shows Support

Outside St George Hospital, strangers left flowers and messages of support.

Veronica Pochuev, who visited with her seven-year-old daughter, Miroslava, said, “My husband is Russian, my father is Jewish, my grandpa is Muslim. This is not only about Bondi, this is about every person.”

Yomna Touni, 43, stayed at the hospital to assist on behalf of a Muslim-run charity raising funds for Ahmed. “The intention is to raise as much money as possible for his speedy recovery,” she said.