A fruit shop owner who risked his life to disarm a terrorist during the Bondi Beach massacre has received a staggering reward from one of the richest men on Earth.
Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, became a national hero after he was filmed tackling one of the shooters from behind and ripping the weapon out of his hands in the middle of a Hanukkah celebration that ended in tragedy.
He was shot twice during the attack and is currently recovering in the hospital.
Two gunmen were responsible for the massacre. Credit: George Chan / Getty
In just 48 hours, a GoFundMe campaign launched in his honor has surged past $1.3 million - thanks in part to a staggering $99,999 donation from U.S. billionaire Bill Ackman.
The fundraising page read: "After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act.
"This GoFundMe has been created to show our gratitude and support for someone who demonstrated incredible courage when it mattered most," they added.
Ackman, who is worth more than $9.5 billion, said he was moved by Ahmed’s bravery. “Can someone please set up a verified [GoFundMe] so we can reward him and his family,” he posted on social media, before contributing.
Ahmed praised worldwide for saving lives
The terrifying attack unfolded over the weekend as gunmen opened fire on civilians gathered at Australia’s iconic Bondi Beach, killing 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl and a Holocaust survivor, and injuring at least 42 others.
Ahmed's courageous actions, which included tackling the shooter to the ground and wrestling his rifle away, likely saved countless lives.
“In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation,” reads the GoFundMe page. “His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety.”
Even U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on Ahmed’s heroism, calling him “a very brave person” who “saved a lot of lives".
Billionaire Bill Ackman pledged to support the hero. Credit: Taylor Hill / Getty
Mother of attacker speaks out as PM calls for gun law reform
The two attackers were later identified as Sajid and Naveed Akram. Sajid was shot and killed by police, while Naveed remains in critical condition.
Police also discovered two live improvised explosive devices nearby, which were safely disarmed. Authorities said the elder Akram legally owned six firearms and had a recreational hunting license.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the shooting as “an act of pure evil, an act of antisemitism, an act of terrorism on our shores,” and confirmed that the government would discuss stricter gun laws during an emergency national Cabinet meeting.
The mother of Naveed Akram, identified as Verena, has since broken her silence. Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, she said her son had told her he was going on a fishing trip with his father.
“He rings me up and said, ‘Mum, I just went for a swim. I went scuba diving. We’re going to eat now,’” she recalled.
Verena insisted that she didn't believe her son was capable of violence or extremism, adding: "He doesn’t have a firearm. He doesn’t even go out. He doesn’t mix around with friends.
"He doesn’t drink, he doesn’t smoke, he doesn’t go to bad places … he goes to work, he comes home, he goes to exercise and that’s it...Anyone would wish to have a son like my son … he’s a good boy."
Police have confirmed Naveed may face criminal charges if he recovers, CBS News reported.