The world is now reportedly reacting with awe and admiration to the bravery of a man who intervened during Sunday night’s horrific terror attack on a group of Jews celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at Australia’s Bondi Beach.
As details continue to emerge, one figure has become a symbol of courage amid chaos: a local shop owner who risked his life to disarm one of the attackers.
Australian broadcaster 7NEWS identified the man as Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner. In widely shared video footage, Ahmed can be seen moving carefully around a parked car to surprise one of the shooters from behind.
He then wrestles the gunman’s weapon away in a desperate struggle. Reports indicate that Ahmed was shot during the encounter and is currently receiving medical treatment.
Authorities say the attack left 11 people dead. One gunman was killed at the scene, while another remains in critical condition.
The assault unfolded over several minutes and was captured in a nearly 11-minute continuous video filmed from roughly 50 meters away. The footage offers a chilling look at the brutality of the attack, as well as the responses of bystanders and police.
It is unclear how long after the shooting began the recording started, but the video opens with one attacker already positioned on a footbridge between Campbell Parade and Archer Park.
A second gunman, wearing distinctive white trousers and carrying a backpack, is seen firing at a fleeing individual. Moments later, both attackers direct sustained gunfire toward the Hanukkah gathering.
The gunman on the bridge fires almost continuously, pausing only to reload or to threaten people who come too close along Campbell Parade. A spare long-barreled weapon lies at his feet. Although he briefly descends the bridge stairs toward Archer Park, he quickly returns to his elevated position, continuing to rain gunfire for nearly six minutes.
The second attacker crosses the bridge and advances toward a tree approximately 30 meters from the celebration, firing repeatedly. Verified footage shows this gunman being disarmed by a bystander — identified as Ahmed — before retreating back to the bridge to retrieve the spare weapon.
Police presence is visible early in the video, with a police vehicle passing within the first 22 seconds and sirens audible throughout. Yet as minutes pass without intervention, witnesses can be heard shouting in frustration, “Where are the cops?” It is more than four minutes before return fire strikes the bridge. About 30 seconds later, the gunman in white trousers is hit and collapses. Roughly a minute after that, the remaining attacker is shot, prompting cheers from onlookers.
Amid the tragedy, Ahmed’s actions have drawn praise from around the world. His willingness to confront an armed attacker — despite being wounded — likely saved lives. In a moment defined by evil and terror, one ordinary citizen’s bravery stood out, offering a reminder that courage and resolve can still emerge even in the darkest of circumstances.
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