Ahmed Al-Ahmed, the Syrian-born father of two hailed as a hero for confronting an armed attacker during the Bondi Beach shooting, has spoken publicly for the first time from his hospital bed as disturbing new details emerge about the true extent of his injuries.
The 43-year-old remains under close medical supervision after being seriously wounded while attempting to stop one of the gunmen during Sunday night’s mass shooting — an attack that left at least 15 people dead and dozens more injured at one of Sydney’s most iconic locations.
Now, as investigators continue piecing together the sequence of events, Mr Al-Ahmed’s account and his family’s testimony paint a clearer picture of a man who believed he was walking toward his own death when he chose to intervene.
A night of celebration shattered by gunfire
The shooting unfolded on December 14 during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, where families and community members had gathered to mark the religious festival in what was meant to be a peaceful and joyful event.
Shortly after nightfall, the atmosphere turned to terror as gunmen opened fire on the crowd. Witnesses described screams, confusion, and people running in all directions as shots rang out across the beachfront.
Emergency services were quickly overwhelmed by the scale of the attack. Victims were treated on the sand, in nearby streets, and inside surrounding buildings as police moved in to neutralise the threat.
By the time the shooting ended, at least 15 people had lost their lives, making it one of the deadliest acts of mass violence in Australia in recent memory.
The moment Ahmed Al-Ahmed charged the gunman
As panic spread, footage later revealed Mr Al-Ahmed making a split-second decision that would change his life forever.
Video shows him approaching alleged gunman Sajid Akram from behind, grabbing him and forcing him backward during a violent struggle. Amid the chaos, Mr Al-Ahmed managed to wrestle the firearm from Akram’s control, pushing it away from nearby bystanders.
At one point, the weapon appeared to be pinned against a tree as Akram stumbled back, momentarily disarmed.
Another bystander was seen charging toward the attacker and throwing an object in his direction, adding to the confusion as people desperately tried to stop the violence with whatever means they had.
The confrontation occurred in full view of a second alleged shooter — Akram’s 24-year-old son, Naveed — who was reportedly standing on a nearby footbridge holding a firearm and observing the scene.
Police response and the fate of the attackers
Within moments, police arrived and confronted the suspects.
Sajid Akram was shot dead at the scene by officers. His son Naveed was critically injured and taken to hospital under armed guard, where he later regained consciousness. Authorities confirmed that he remains in police custody as investigations continue.
The presence of two alleged shooters intensified the danger faced by civilians who attempted to intervene, making Mr Al-Ahmed’s actions all the more extraordinary.
Shot while trying to escape
After disarming the attacker, Mr Al-Ahmed attempted to find cover behind a tree as further shots were fired.
It was there that he was hit multiple times.
He sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and shoulder and collapsed before emergency responders reached him. Paramedics provided urgent care before transporting him to St George Hospital, where surgeons worked to stabilise his condition.
In the days that followed, it became clear that his injuries were far more serious than initially believed.
Speaking from his hospital bed
From his hospital bed, Mr Al-Ahmed has now spoken publicly for the first time, delivering an emotional message of gratitude and faith.
In an interview with TRT World, he thanked supporters from around the world who had sent prayers and messages of encouragement.
“May Allah reward you and grant you health,” he said in Arabic, in comments later reported by the Daily Mail.
“Through Allah, I went through a very difficult phase — only Allah knows how difficult it truly was.”
His words reflected both the trauma he endured and his reliance on faith as he begins a long and uncertain recovery.
A heartfelt plea to his mother
Among his most emotional remarks was a direct appeal to his mother, whom he described as “the apple of my eye.”
“I ask my mother to pray for me,” he said. “Pray for me, my mother. God willing, it will be a minor injury.”
For family members, the message underscored just how close Mr Al-Ahmed believed he was to dying during the attack — and how deeply his thoughts were focused on loved ones even amid the violence.
Lawyer reveals grim medical reality
While Mr Al-Ahmed attempted to reassure those listening, his former migration lawyer, Sam Issa, offered a far more sobering assessment of his condition.
Speaking to The Australian, Mr Issa revealed that Mr Al-Ahmed had suffered five gunshot wounds and had already undergone multiple surgeries.
“This is not a minor injury,” Mr Issa said. “It’s extremely serious.”
According to Mr Issa, doctors are particularly worried about nerve damage to Mr Al-Ahmed’s arm. At present, he reportedly has no sensation in the limb, raising fears that he could permanently lose its use.
Mr Issa also disclosed that one bullet remains lodged in Mr Al-Ahmed’s body and has yet to be removed, further complicating his recovery.
Family share his final thoughts before intervening
Relatives have since spoken about the moments leading up to Mr Al-Ahmed’s decision to confront the gunman, revealing that he believed he was heading toward his own death.
Cousin Jozay Alkanj said Mr Al-Ahmed asked him to pass on a message to his family, convinced he would not survive.
“He said, ‘I’m going to die — please go to my family and tell them that I went down to save people’s lives,’” Mr Alkanj told The Sydney Morning Herald.
The words have haunted his family, who say they reflect both the fear and the resolve Mr Al-Ahmed felt as gunfire erupted around him.
‘God gave me courage’
Another cousin, Mustafa al-Assad, recalled speaking to Mr Al-Ahmed after the attack and asking him how he found the strength to act in such a terrifying situation.
His answer was simple.
“God gave me courage,” Mr Al-Ahmed replied.
For his relatives, the response captured the mindset of a man who did not see himself as a hero, but as someone compelled by faith and conscience to act when others were in danger.
A symbol of courage amid tragedy
As Australia continues to mourn the victims of the Bondi Beach shooting, Mr Al-Ahmed’s actions have come to symbolise the moments of humanity that emerged amid horror.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised his bravery, describing him as a “genuine hero” whose actions undoubtedly saved lives. NSW Premier Chris Minns echoed those sentiments, commending Mr Al-Ahmed for running toward danger when others were fleeing.
International leaders also took notice. US President Donald Trump publicly expressed “great respect” for Mr Al-Ahmed’s courage, adding to the global recognition of his actions.
Community support pours in
Public admiration has translated into tangible support. A GoFundMe campaign established to assist Mr Al-Ahmed and his family has raised close to $2 million, with donations pouring in from Australia and overseas.
Supporters have described him as a man who acted selflessly to protect strangers, risking everything without hesitation.
For his family, the fundraising effort is not just about financial assistance, but about ensuring that Mr Al-Ahmed’s bravery — and the values that guided him — are not forgotten.
A long road to recovery
Despite the praise and support, Mr Al-Ahmed’s future remains uncertain. Doctors continue to monitor his injuries, and his rehabilitation is expected to be long and painful.
Whether he will regain full use of his arm is still unknown.
What is certain is that his life has been permanently changed by a few seconds of unimaginable violence — and by a decision made in the face of overwhelming fear.
As the nation reflects on the tragedy at Bondi Beach, Ahmed Al-Ahmed’s story stands as a reminder that even in the darkest moments, individual acts of courage can shine through — leaving a legacy that endures long after the gunfire fades.
James Jenkins is a celebrated Pulitzer Prize-winning author whose work has reshaped the way readers think about social justice and human rights in America. Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, James grew up in a community that instilled in him both resilience and a strong sense of responsibility toward others. After studying political science and creative writing at Howard University, he worked as a journalist covering civil rights issues before dedicating himself fully to fiction. His novels are known for their sharp, empathetic portraits of marginalized communities and for weaving personal stories with broader political realities. Jenkins’s breakout novel, Shadows of Freedom, won national acclaim for its unflinching look at systemic inequality, while his more recent works explore themes of identity, resilience, and the fight for dignity in the face of oppression. Beyond his novels, James is an active public speaker, lecturing at universities and participating in nonprofit initiatives that support literacy and community empowerment. He believes that storytelling is a way to preserve history and inspire change. When not writing, James enjoys jazz music, mentoring young writers, and traveling with his family to explore cultures and stories around the world.
