The incident occurred when two attackers began firing indiscriminately at people attending the Jewish festival near the beachfront. Amid the chaos, Ahmed Al Ahmed, who was present with relatives, chose to confront one of the gunmen despite having no weapon or formal training.
According to family members, Ahmed told his brother that if anything happened to him, their family should be informed that he was trying to save lives. Moments later, witnesses say he rushed the attacker from behind, grabbed the rifle and forced the gunman to retreat, disrupting the assault and allowing several people to escape.
Police officials confirmed that Ahmed managed to disarm one attacker before being shot from another direction. He was hit in the shoulder and collapsed at the scene. Emergency services rushed him to St George’s Hospital, where he underwent surgery. Doctors have described his condition as stable.
Authorities identified the attackers as a father and son who were later neutralised by police. Investigators said the attack is being treated as terrorism, and security has been heightened across Sydney, particularly around religious sites. A shelter-in-place advisory was briefly issued in surrounding areas before being lifted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Ahmed’s actions, saying his courage reflected the willingness of ordinary citizens to protect others in moments of extreme danger. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns echoed the sentiment, calling the act “extraordinary bravery under fire.”
Ahmed, a Syrian-born Australian resident and father of two, has since become the focus of a nationwide outpouring of support. A crowdfunding campaign launched to assist his recovery and family has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars within hours.
Police said investigations into the attack, including possible ideological motives, are ongoing.
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