Bondi Beach shooting hero Ahmed Al Ahmed could lose an arm, says 'I’d do it again'

The 44-year-old tobacconist and father of two is being treated at St George Hospital in Kogarah after suffering multiple gunshot wounds while intervening in the attack, which began around 6.45 pm during a public Hanukkah event.

Ahmed Al Ahmed, the bystander who bravely confronted and disarmed one of the gunmen during Sunday evening’s shooting at Bondi Beach, remains in a serious condition in hospital but has said he has no regrets and would act the same way again.

The 44-year-old tobacconist and father of two is being treated at St George Hospital in Kogarah after suffering multiple gunshot wounds while intervening in the attack, which began around 6.45 pm during a public Hanukkah event.

According to his migration lawyer, Sam Issa, Ahmed was hit by several bullets, most of them in his left arm, with another lodged in the back of his shoulder blade that doctors have not yet removed. The extent of the injuries and blood loss has raised concerns that he could lose his left arm.

“He doesn’t regret what he did. He told me he would do it again,” Issa said after visiting him in hospital. “But the pain is taking its toll. He’s riddled with bullets and he’s not well at all. Our hero is struggling," he has been cited by the Australian daily The Age.

According to police, Ahmed’s intervention prevented further loss of life. Video footage from the scene shows him advancing towards one of the attackers in the Campbell Parade car park, tackling him and wrenching away his rifle before setting it aside. As the attackers retreated towards a nearby footbridge, Ahmed was shot.

Ahmed had gone to Bondi for coffee with his cousin, Jozay Alkanj, shortly before the shooting. Alkanj said that amid the chaos, Ahmed told him, “I’m going to die....please tell my family that I went down to save people’s lives.”

Originally from Syria, Ahmed arrived in Australia in 2006 and became a citizen in 2022 following a prolonged legal process.

Issa said his client feels a deep sense of gratitude towards the country that gave him a new life. “He’s a humble man who isn’t seeking attention,” Issa noted, further adding, “He acted because he felt it was his duty as a human being and as a member of this community.”

Ahmed’s parents, Fateh and Malaka Al Ahmed, said he remains in “good spirits” despite his condition. “He thanks God that he was able to help innocent people and save lives,” his father has been cited by the Australian daily.

Meanwhile, an outpouring of public support has followed.

A GoFundMe campaign to help with Ahmed’s recovery has raised more than $1.7 million from over 29,000 donors. Contributors include US billionaire Bill Ackman, Australian musician Kid Laroi and actor-comedian Amy Schumer, who shared photos of New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visiting Ahmed in the hospital.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Premier Minns both lauded Ahmed’s courage. “Australians ran towards danger to help others,” Albanese said. “These Australians are heroes, and their bravery has saved lives," he remarked.

US President Donald Trump also commended Ahmed, describing him as “a very brave person” who saved many lives and is now seriously wounded.

Ahmed, who runs a tobacco shop near Bondi, is married and has two daughters aged five and six. Family members say he is focused on recovery and deeply grateful for the support he has received from across Australia.