Fruit Shop Owner Becomes Hero in Bondi Beach Shooting
Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, a fruit shop owner from Sutherland, had no prior experience with firearms. Yet, when danger struck, he didn’t hesitate. What unfolded has been hailed as an act of incredible bravery.
Injured But Determined
During the confrontation, Ahmed was shot twice. He is now recovering in hospital after surgery. “He’s in hospital, and we don’t know exactly what’s going on inside,” his cousin Mustafa told 7News. “We hope he will be fine. He’s a hero 100 per cent.”
Split-Second Decision Saves Lives
Caught in the chaos, Ahmed made a split-second decision. Footage shows him in a white shirt, crouched behind a car in a Bondi Beach carpark, just metres from one of the shooters.
As gunfire erupted, he waited for the right moment, then sprinted through the parked cars. He grabbed the shooter from behind in a headlock. The struggle lasted around five seconds. Ahmed wrestled the gun away, forcing the gunman to stumble back. He then pointed the weapon at the attacker, who retreated toward a nearby bridge.
Community Rallies Around Ahmed
Video later showed Ahmed sitting on the ground with a leg injury. Bystanders rushed to help. One man brought a towel to stop the bleeding, while responders supported him from behind.
Despite his wounds, Ahmed secured the gun safely against a tree, preventing further harm.
A Hero Emerges
Ahmed’s courage has left a lasting impression. From an ordinary fruit shop owner to a community hero, his quick thinking and bravery saved lives that day.
