By Harshit
SYDNEY, Dec. 16 —
Prime Minister Visits Wounded Bystander Who Tried to Stop Gunman
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday visited Ahmed al Ahmed in hospital, praising the wounded bystander as a national hero after he attempted to disarm one of the gunmen during Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach.
“You represent the best of our country,” Albanese told al Ahmed at his hospital bedside, later describing him as “an example of the strength of humanity” in the face of terror.
The 43-year-old father-of-two, a fruit shop owner who was born and raised in Syria, was shot several times in the shoulder after tackling one of the alleged attackers. Albanese said al Ahmed would undergo further surgery on Wednesday and assured him of the nation’s support.
“At a moment where we have seen evil perpetrated, he shines out,” the prime minister said. “Ahmed, you are an Australian hero.”
Deadliest Gun Attack in Decades
At least 15 people were killed and many others injured in the shooting, which took place on Sunday evening during a public event marking the first night of Hanukkah. Authorities have declared the attack a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community, making it the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
Police say two gunmen opened fire at Bondi Beach shortly after 6:30 p.m. local time, firing approximately 50 rounds according to eyewitnesses. One alleged attacker was killed at the scene, while another remains in critical condition under police guard.
The attack sent shockwaves across the country and prompted an immediate lockdown of the area as emergency responders rushed to treat victims.
A Split-Second Decision That Saved Lives
Albanese recounted that al Ahmed had been attempting to buy a coffee when gunfire erupted around him.
“He found himself at a moment where people were being shot in front of him,” the prime minister said. “He decided to take action.”
Footage recorded by an eyewitness and widely circulated online shows al Ahmed hiding behind parked cars before charging toward one of the gunmen from behind. In the video, he grabs the attacker around the neck, wrestles the rifle away, and points the weapon back at him as the suspect falls to the ground.
Moments later, al Ahmed is seen lowering the rifle and raising one hand in the air, appearing to signal to police that he was not one of the attackers.
Authorities believe his intervention prevented further casualties.
International Praise and Public Support
Al Ahmed’s actions have drawn widespread praise from across Australia and beyond. US President Donald Trump publicly commended his courage, while a US billionaire donated nearly A$100,000 to support al Ahmed and his family.
Messages of solidarity have flooded social media, with many Australians calling for al Ahmed to receive a national honour once he recovers.
The prime minister described him as “a very humble man” who did not see himself as a hero, despite his actions.
Family Says He Acted on Humanity
Al Ahmed’s father told the BBC that his son was driven not by politics or ideology, but by instinct and compassion.
“He saw the victims, the blood, women and children lying on the street,” he said. “His sentiment, conscience and humanity pushed him to act.”
Community leaders have echoed that sentiment, describing al Ahmed’s bravery as a reminder of shared values in a moment of national grief.
Investigation and Security Response
New South Wales Police have confirmed that the attack is being treated as an act of terrorism, citing evidence that the Jewish community was deliberately targeted during a religious observance.
Security has been heightened nationwide, particularly around synagogues, schools, and public events associated with religious minorities. Federal and state agencies are working jointly to determine whether the attackers had accomplices or links to extremist networks.
Prime Minister Albanese said authorities would leave “no stone unturned” in the investigation and pledged continued support for affected families.
A Nation Reckons With Violence
Australia has long been cited globally for its strict gun laws enacted after the Port Arthur massacre nearly three decades ago. Sunday’s attack has reignited debate about extremism, public safety, and the protection of minority communities — even in countries with strong firearm regulations.
Yet amid mourning, al Ahmed’s actions have emerged as a powerful counterpoint.
“In the darkest moment,” Albanese said, “we saw the best of who we are.”