Bystander disarms gunman in Bondi beach terror attack
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A bystander tackled one of the alleged gunmen and wrestled away his weapon during the mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney that killed at least 16 people, according to video footage and local media reports.
Australian broadcaster Seven News identified the man as Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from the Sutherland Shire. Video from Sunday evening shows an alleged gunman standing on a footpath near a parking area, firing a long-barrelled weapon into the distance.
The bystander, seen crouching behind a parked car, suddenly runs toward the shooter as shots are fired. He jumps on the gunman and manages to wrestle the weapon from his hands. The footage then shows the alleged gunman falling to the ground while the bystander points the gun at him before backing away. The weapon is later placed against a tree as the bystander raises his hands.
A family member of al-Ahmed told reporters outside a Sydney hospital that he had been shot twice, in the upper arm and hand, and was awaiting surgery. The relative, identified as Mustafa, said al-Ahmed was in pain but alive.
“He’s a hero,” Mustafa said. “He risked his life to save other people.”
Police said at least 16 people were killed in the attack, including one of the shooters. Around 40 others were taken to the hospital. Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist attack and said it targeted a Hanukkah celebration.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the violence was aimed at Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukkah. He praised the courage of police, first responders, and civilians who intervened during the attack.
“We have seen Australians run towards danger to help others,” Albanese said. “Their bravery has saved lives.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the shooting as a “cowardly act of terrifying violence” and acknowledged acts of extraordinary personal courage by members of the public. He said the attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community and called on Australians to stand in solidarity with them.
Another video from the scene showed two men dressed in black crossing a bridge near the beach and firing as people screamed and fled.
Investigations into the attack are ongoing.