Ahmed al Ahmed, the man who bravely tackled an armed attacker during the Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery for bullet injuries to his arm and hand.
The 43 year old has been widely praised for his quick thinking and courage after he ran towards one of the shooters, grabbed the rifle and forced the gunman to the ground, potentially saving several lives. He was injured during the struggle and later taken to hospital, where doctors confirmed he was stable following surgery.
Ahmed&rsquo;s cousin Mustafa said the family was relieved by the update but remained anxious. &ldquo;He is a hero, he is a hundred per cent hero,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Still, he is in the hospital and we don't know exactly what's going on inside ... but we hope he will be fine.&rdquo;
The attack unfolded on Sunday when a 50 year old man and his 24 year old son opened fire at the popular beach as members of the Jewish community gathered to mark the first day of Hanukkah. Fifteen people were killed in what authorities are calling Australia&rsquo;s worst terrorist attack.
Ahmed, a Sydney based fruit shop owner and father of two, has since been hailed as an &ldquo;Australian hero&rdquo; across the country and online. Leaders from around the world have also acknowledged his bravery.
&ldquo;It's been a very, very brave person, actually, who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters, and saved a lot of lives,&rdquo; US President Donald Trump said.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to support Ahmed and his family raised more than A$200,000 within hours. Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman emerged as the largest donor, contributing A$99,999 and sharing the fundraiser on social media.
As Ahmed continues to recover, tributes continue to pour in, celebrating an ordinary man whose split second decision turned him into a symbol of courage amid tragedy.

Ahmed al Ahmed undergoes surgery post Bondi attack

Fruit shop owner hailed as hero after disarming gunman during deadly Bondi Beach shooting

Ahmed al Ahmed undergoes surgery post Bondi attack

Fruit shop owner hailed as hero after disarming gunman during deadly Bondi Beach shooting

December 15, 2025 | 20:47 IST