Bondi Beach ‘Hero’ Who Disarmed Shooter Is Recovering from ‘Complex Operation,’ Says Lawyer in Health Update

Ahmed al Ahmed, the man who tackled and disarmed one of the shooters during the mass attack at a Hanukkah gathering on Australia’s Bondi Beach, is still recovering from serious injuries.

Ahmed underwent “a very complex operation” that “involves nerve damage,” his lawyer, Sam Issa, told Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Thursday, Dec. 18. Issa said Ahmed was “in a lot of discomfort” and is preparing for another eight-hour surgery on Friday, Dec. 19.

His recovery follows his actions on Sunday, Dec. 14, when two gunmen opened fire on a crowd gathered in Archer Park at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The attack happened during Chanukah (Hanukkah) by the Sea, a beach festival attended by families, including many children, News.com.au reported.

Authorities described the shooting as a “terrorist incident.” At least 15 people were killed and 40 others were injured, with victims ranging from 10 to 87 years old, according to local outlets.

Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, were identified as the shooters, ABC and the BBC reported. Sajid died at the scene; Naveed survived and remains in custody.

In the hours after the shooting, video circulated showing Ahmed crouched behind a parked car near one of the gunmen. Moments later, he rushes the attacker, wrestles him to the ground, and takes control of the firearm—then points it back toward the gunman.

Australian leaders publicly praised Ahmed’s actions. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited him in the hospital and told him, “You’re very strong. Your heart is strong. Your courage is inspiring,” according to a Monday, Dec. 15 X post.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns also visited and described what he said was an extraordinary act of bravery. “It’s the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen,” Minns said, calling Ahmed “a genuine hero” and adding that he believed “many, many people [were] alive… as a result of his bravery.”

As Ahmed’s bravery drew national attention, his parents spoke about what they were told happened. “My son is a hero,” his father, Mohammad Fatih Al-Ahmed, told CBS News on Monday, Dec. 15. He said Ahmed’s “conscience and his morals” drove him to confront one of the attackers and take his weapon. Mohammad also said a second gunman then shot Ahmed in the shoulder from a distance.

Ahmed’s mother said she was first told only that her son had been involved in an incident and was in the hospital. “Then, when I learned the details, I was very proud that my son was helping people and saving lives,” she said, adding that he sustained bullet wounds to his shoulder and hand.

“I am so proud of my son because he is a hero all around Australia,” his father added.