‘My Goal Was Just to Take the Gun’: Bondi Beach Hero Ahmed al-Ahmed Reflects on Saving Lives

According to Rokna, citing The Guardian, in an interview with CBS News, Ahmed recalled that on 14 December he “wasn’t thinking about anything” other than protecting lives as he confronted Sajid Akram. The incident was captured on camera and widely shared internationally.

“My goal was simply to take the gun away from him and prevent him from harming anyone,” Ahmed said. “I know I saved many, but I feel sorrow for those who were lost.”

Akram was killed by police during the attack on a Hanukkah event, which claimed the lives of 15 people. His son, Naveed Akram, was injured by police and later faced 59 charges.

Footage from the scene shows Ahmed leaping from behind a parked car to wrestle with Sajid Akram, knocking the gun to the ground before picking it up and pointing it at the gunman, who then retreated toward his son on a nearby footbridge.

“I jumped on his back and struck him. I held him with my right hand and shouted, telling him to drop the weapon and stop what he was doing,” Ahmed explained to CBS. “Emotionally, I felt a force in my body and mind… I could not stand by and watch people being killed in front of me.”

Ahmed, 44, was shot five times shortly after the struggle. He is now recovering well following three surgeries in a Sydney hospital, according to a member of the local Syrian-Australian community who visited him last week.

He told CBS, “Everything in my heart and mind worked toward saving lives.”

Ahmed, a tobacconist from southern Sydney, had been having coffee with his cousin when the shooting began. His courage has been widely recognized, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visiting him in hospital and telling him on camera, “Your courage is inspiring and your heart is strong.”

Lubaba Alhmidi AlKahil, media director for Australians for Syria Association, said Ahmed’s left arm is unlikely to regain full function for at least six months due to nerve injuries. His Sutherland shop, where hundreds of people have left messages and flowers in tribute, is not expected to reopen soon. He will focus on resting, recovering, and spending time with his family.

Family members have been by Ahmed’s side, and numerous visitors, including officials and well-wishers, have come to offer their support.

“He mentioned that people from different government offices, backgrounds, religions, and ethnicities visited and congratulated him,” AlKahil said. “He feels happy and at peace.”

Visitors have included New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, Governor-General Sam Mostyn, who conveyed thanks from King Charles, and David Ossip, president of NSW’s Jewish Board of Deputies.

A GoFundMe campaign for Ahmed has raised $2.5 million.