Bondi Beach hero Ahmed Al Ahmed: How a Syrian military past helped him tackle the shooter

Ahmed Al Ahmed’s military training turned him into a Bondi Beach hero

Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Syrian-born Australian, has been widely praised for his extraordinary courage during the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Sydney, where two gunmen killed 15 people. What began as a simple visit for a cup of coffee turned into an act of heroism that saved several lives.

As gunshots rang out, Ahmed took cover behind a vehicle, then crept toward one of the attackers and wrestled the weapon from him. “It is about immense courage. But it also looked like a trained person engaging an armed attacker, pinning the gun in a position that it didn't go off, and then wrestling it from the terrorist. He then calmly places it against a tree,” noted observers, highlighting Ahmed’s military background from war-torn Syria.

Both Ahmed and the gunman, Naveed Akram, are currently hospitalised. Ahmed sustained two gunshot wounds during the confrontation, while Naveed, who was shot by police, has emerged from a coma and faces 59 charges, including murder and terrorism. Naveed’s father, Sajid Akram, the other shooter, was killed during the incident. The father-son duo had targeted civilians at a Hanukkah event, killing 15 people.

Ahmed, who migrated from Al Nayrab in Syria to Australia in 2007, previously served in the Syrian military and worked with the police and central security forces. “He was properly trained, physically strong, and full of energy, enthusiasm, and determination,” said Wahid Al Ahmed, his uncle, to ABC.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese praised Ahmed’s bravery, “He was trying to get a cup of coffee, simple as that, and found himself at a moment where people were being shot in front of him. He decided to take action, and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians.” Albanese visited Ahmed in the hospital, where he is recuperating after surgery.

Ahmed’s heroism has resonated internationally, including in his hometown of Al Nayrab near Idlib, Syria. “His act is a source of pride for us and for Syria,” said Mohammad, his uncle, adding that locals have been following videos of the incident on social media. Ahmed’s family home in Syria remains in ruins from the 14-year civil war, with walls scarred by shellfire, according to Reuters.

Relatives also confirmed Ahmed’s civilian life in Australia. Now an Australian citizen, he owns a tobacco shop in Sydney and is a father to two daughters aged three and six. His father, Mohamed Fateh Al-Ahmed, told ABC, “I feel pride and honour because my son is a hero of Australia,” while his mother, Malakeh Hasan Al-Ahmed, added, “My son has always been brave; he helps people.”

Investigations revealed that the shooters, Sajid and Naveed Akram, had travelled to the Philippines in November and may have received training from Islamist groups. Two homemade IS flags were recovered from Naveed’s car near the attack site. Authorities believe the father-son duo were on a suicide mission, and the casualty count could have been higher had Ahmed not intervened.

Ahmed’s actions have drawn global attention, with US President Donald Trump hailing him as a hero. ABC reports that he remains conscious but frail, facing at least six months of recovery.

“He did a heroic job. Without any hesitation, he tackled the terrorist and disarmed him just to save innocent people,” said his cousin Mohammad al-Ahmed, noting that Ahmed has become a household name in both Syria and Australia.

The Bondi Beach shooting has left 25 people in hospitals, 10 in critical condition, including three children. Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87. Despite the tragedy, Ahmed Al Ahmed’s courage has captured worldwide attention, exemplifying ordinary heroism in extraordinary circumstances.