Ahmed Al-Ahmed, the Syrian-born man hailed as a hero after confronting one of the gunmen during the Bondi Beach attack, has spoken publicly for the first time from his hospital bed as new details emerge about the extent of his injuries.
The 43-year-old father of two was seriously wounded while intervening during Sunday night’s mass shooting, which left 15 people dead and dozens more injured.
Footage of the moment shows Mr Al-Ahmed grabbing one of the attackers from behind and wresting a firearm from his hands as chaos unfolded nearby.
What happened during the confrontation at Bondi Beach
Video captured the moment Mr Al-Ahmed seized alleged gunman Sajid Akram and forced him backward, eventually resting the weapon against a tree.
As Akram retreated, another bystander charged toward him and threw an object.
The confrontation took place in view of a second alleged shooter, Akram’s 24-year-old son Naveed, who was seen watching from a nearby footbridge while holding a firearm.
Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while Naveed was taken to hospital under guard with critical injuries.
Credit: Anadolu/Getty Images.
Ahmed Al-Ahmed’s injuries and ongoing treatment
Mr Al-Ahmed was shot multiple times after seeking cover behind a tree following the confrontation.
He sustained gunshot wounds to his shoulder and arm and remains under care at St George Hospital.
Speaking to TRT World from his hospital bed, Mr Al-Ahmed thanked supporters and appealed for prayers.
“May Allah reward you and grant well-being,” he said in Arabic, via the Daily Mail.
“Through Allah, I went through a very difficult phase, only Allah knows it.”
He added: “I ask my mother, the apple of my eye, to pray for me. Pray for me, my mother. God willing, it will be a minor injury.”
Lawyer reveals severity of gunshot wounds
Mr Al-Ahmed’s former migration lawyer, Sam Issa, said the injuries were far more serious than initially reported.
“He’s having multiple surgeries, he’s got five gunshot wounds. It’s a serious injury,” he told The Australian.
Mr Issa said doctors were concerned about nerve damage and the possibility of losing his arm.
“At this stage, he says he has no feeling in his arm,” he said, adding that one bullet had not yet been removed.
Family describe final moments before heroic act
Relatives revealed Mr Al-Ahmed feared he might not survive when he decided to intervene.
Cousin Jozay Alkanj said he asked for a message to be passed on to his family.
“He said: ‘I’m going to die – please see my family and tell them that I went down to save people’s lives,’” he told The Sydney Morning Herald.
Another cousin, Mustafa al-Assad, recalled asking how he found the courage to act. “‘God gave me courage,’” Mr Al-Ahmed replied.
A horrifying shooting unfolded during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14. Credit: James D. Morgan/Getty Images.
National and international praise for bravery
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns both praised Mr Al-Ahmed’s actions, calling him a “genuine hero” who saved lives.
US President Donald Trump also commended his bravery, saying he had “great respect” for his actions.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support Mr Al-Ahmed and his family has raised close to $2 million, reflecting widespread admiration for a man many say ran toward danger to protect complete strangers.