The horrific terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney on Sunday has sent shockwaves around the world.
At the same time, attention has also turned to an incredible hero: Ahmed al Ahmed.
Interviewed by security services back in 2019
At least 15 people tragically lost their lives and dozens more were injured when two gunmen opened fire on families gathered at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14, in an attack now being treated as an act of terrorism.
The attack unfolded as over 1,000 Jewish people were celebrating Hanukkah on the famous beach.Among the victims identified so far are a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, a British rabbi, a retired New South Wales police officer, and a French national.
The suspected attackers, described as a father-and-son duo, have been named as 50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Naveed Akram. Sajid was declared dead at the scene, while Naveed is reportedly in critical condition in the hospital.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated that the pair acted alone but were “clearly” motivated by extremism. Australian authorities say the two suspected men “weren’t part of a wider cell,” although they were interviewed by security services back in 2019.
Amid the tragedy, attention has turned to the courageous civilian who confronted one of the gunmen. Ahmed al Ahmed’s actions, captured in a viral clip, showed him risking his own life to tackle the suspect and seize the firearm. He is now recovering in the hospital after sustaining injuries while disarming one of the suspected gunmen.