Bondi hero says he acted to stop gunman killing innocent people

The man who disarmed one of the gunmen responsible for killing 15 people at a Jewish event at Bondi Beach has spoken about the moments that led him to intervene, saying his sole intention was to prevent further loss of innocent lives.

In verified footage from the attack, Ahmed al Ahmed, a Sydney shop owner originally from Syria, can be seen tackling one of the shooters from behind and wrestling a long-arm firearm from his hands. Mr Ahmed said he acted instinctively as he saw people being shot around him.

“I held him with my right hand and started shouting for him to drop the gun and stop,” Mr Ahmed said. “My target was just to take the gun from him and stop him from killing innocent people.”

Mr Ahmed was shot several times by the second alleged gunman during the attack. He said his actions helped save many lives, though he continues to grieve for those who were killed.

Fifteen people died in the shooting, which took place during a Hanukkah gathering on Sunday, 14 December, making it Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996. Authorities have declared the attack a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community, with more than 40 people injured.

The alleged gunman tackled by Mr Ahmed, Sajid Akram, 50, was later shot dead by police. His son, Naveed Akram, who was wounded during the incident, has since been charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count related to a terrorist act.

Recalling the moments before he intervened, Mr Ahmed said he felt an overwhelming need to act as violence unfolded in front of him.

“I didn’t want to see people killed, I didn’t want to see blood, hear gunshots, or hear people screaming for help,” he said. “That feeling came from inside me.”

Mr Ahmed required at least three surgeries after being shot in the shoulder. While recovering in hospital, he was presented with a cheque for A$2.5 million, raised by tens of thousands of people moved by his actions.

Australia’s prime minister later visited Mr Ahmed in hospital, describing him as a symbol of courage and humanity, while New South Wales’ premier called him a real-life hero.

Earlier, Mr Ahmed’s parents said their son was guided by his conscience, compassion and sense of humanity when he stepped in to stop the attack.