Overview Logo
Article Main Image

Bondi hero would 'do it again' despite being 'riddled with bullets'

9NEWS

Australia

Monday, December 15


Alternative Takes

The World's Current Take

Perpetrator Identification and Background

Basic News Reporting


The hero who tackled and wrestled a gun from the hands of one of theBondi Beach shooters has been pictured recovering in hospital and says he would do the act of bravery again.

Incredible footage that emerged on Sunday night showed Sydney father-of-two Ahmed el Ahmed creeping up on one of the shooters, pouncing on him and eventually wrangling the gun from his hands.

The fruit shop owner turned the weapon on the gunman but never fired, and shortly after he was injured in subsequent gunfire.

Bondi Beach terror attack hero Ahmed el Ahmed in hospital, recovering from surgery.
Bondi Beach terror attack hero Ahmed el Ahmed in hospital, recovering from surgery. (Supplied)
Ahmed el Ahmed meets Chris Minns in hospital.
NSW Premier Chris Minns meets Ahmed el Ahmed in hospital. (Chris Minns/X)

Ahmed has undergone surgery at St George Hospital and is expected to make a full recovery as his bravery is lauded around the world.

"He doesn't regret what he did. He said he'd do it again. But the pain has started to take a toll on him," Ahmed's immigration lawyer Sam Issa told theSydney Morning Herald after visiting the hero on Monday.

"He's not well at all. He's riddled with bullets. Our hero is struggling at the moment."

By late on Monday night, more than $1.2 million had already been donated for Ahmed via a crowdfunding site set up for the hero.

WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE ATTACKERS: Father and son named as properties raided

Ahmed hid behind a silver car and crept towards the gunman before leaping towards him and putting him in a headlock. (Nine)

Prominent US billionaire Bill Ackman is believed to be among the donors.

The hedge fund manager had called for someone to set up a donations page for Ahmed.

"Can someone please set up a verified (donation page) so we can reward him and his family," Ackman wrote.

Ackman then donated $99,000 to the page.

Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images via CNN)

Ahmed's family spoke to media this morning, describing him as a"hero".

"Maybe he can lose his life to save the other people," his cousin said of Ahmed's courageous efforts.

"I hope everyone in Australia wish everything is good for Ahmed to go back to his family."

Ahmed has two young daughters, according to his cousin.
Ahmed has two young daughters, according to his cousin. (Nine)

The cousin confirmed Ahmed had two daughters, aged five and six, but said he had not had the chance to speak to him yet.

"To be honest, I don't speak to his family (yet), because I leave here very late last night," he said.

"Until now, I don't sleep yet."

Ahmed's actions have been praised in Australia and around the world, including by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Ahmed hid behind a silver vehicle and crept towards the apparent gunman before leaping towards him and putting him in a headlock.

He wrestled with the gunman until he released the weapon.

Ahmed then turned the weapon on the gunman.

The heroic man did not fire the gun but signalled for assistance.

The unknown man wrestled with the gunman until he released the weapon. (Nine)

'Scariest thing': Man who filmed heroic act was at scene as shooting began

The man who recorded the footage of Ahmed disarming the gunman revealed he was initially on the beach when the shooting began

Theodore Okur described onToday how he fled the scene and subsequently caught Ahmed's actions from his apartment.

"I was going towards the beach to get some barbecue. When the shooting began on the bridge, the guy was 10 metres in front of me," he said.

Theodore Okur called Ahmed a "hero" for his actions, and said he felt "lucky to record such a moment.
Theodore Okur called Ahmed a "hero" for his actions, and said he felt"lucky to record such a moment". (Nine)

He revealed he saw the gunmen target the Jewish ceremony and initially believed the shots were fireworks.

"It was the scariest thing that happened in my life," he said.

Okur said he couldn't believe the footage he was recording, but said Ahmed was a hero.

"I'm very lucky to witness this," he said.

Get the full experience in the app

Scroll the Globe, Pick a Country, See their News

International stories that aren't found anywhere else.

Global News, Local Perspective

50 countries, 150 news sites, 500 articles a day.

Don’t Miss what Gets Missed

Explore international stories overlooked by American media.

Unfiltered, Uncensored, Unbiased

Articles are translated to English so you get a unique view into their world.

Apple App Store Badge