Ahmed al-Ahmed learns 43,000 people donated to a fundraiser honouring his bravery
By Jacob Paul
A hero shop owner who disarmed one of the gunmen in the Bondi Beach terror attack has been handed a $2.5 million cheque from his hospital bed.
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Ahmed al-Ahmed has been hailed as a “genuine hero” after he was seen heroically tackling one of the gunmen who opened fire on crowds during a Jewish event on Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
The 43-year-old father of two is credited with preventing further loss of life during the killing spree on Sunday evening, which police have described as a targeted attack.
The moment the Syrian-born tobacconists shop owner learned that 43,000 people across the world had donated to a fundraiser honouring his bravery has been captured in heartwarming footage and shared online.
"I deserve it?," he asked as he was handed the cheque.
"Every penny," the man replied.
Mr Al-Ahmed sent a message of peace and unity when asked what he wanted to say to everyone who donated.
"To stand with each other, all human beings, and forget everything bad behind the back, and keep going to save life. Save lives.
"When I do save the people, I do it from the heart," he said.
At least 15 people, as well as one of the gunmen, died in the Bondi Beach shooting - with a further 40 people injured during the rampage.
In between shots, Mr Ahmed was seen charging through the vehicles and grabbing the shooter in a headlock from behind before seizing the assailant's weapon.
Footage contains scenes of graphic violence
Moment heroic bystander wrestles firearm off Bondi Beach gunman
The 43-year-old is seen in footage shared online, wearing a white T-shirt and crouching behind a car before pouncing on the back of the gunman then grappling with him and snatching the rifle away from him.
His family said Mr Ahmed, from the Sutherland area of Sydney, remains in hospital where he has undergone surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand.
His parents meanwhile have described him as a “hero of Australia”.
Mr Ahmed’s father, Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, told ABC Australia his son has an “impulse to protect people”, having previously served with the police.
Speaking through a translator, he told the broadcaster: “His friend told him, ‘Let’s go have coffee at Bondi’.
“They got there and were shocked to see armed men firing weapons at terrorists.
“Their lives were in danger. He noticed one of the armed men in a distance from him, hiding behind a tree.
“My son is a hero, he served with the police and in the central security forces, and he has the impulse to protect people."
A GoFundMe page for Mr Ahmad eanred international attention as donations flooded in, including one from one of the world's richest men, Bill Ackman.
The Jewish hedge fund manager has reportedly donated $100,000, saying he wanted to reward Mr Ahmed for his bravery.
“Can someone please set up a verified so we can reward him and his family,” he wrote on social media.
Dozens of donors have heaped praise on Mr Ahmed on the GoFundMe page.
“Thank you for your selflessness and bravery. The world sees you,” one commenter wrote.
“Thank you Ahmed, you are a true hero! Your actions saved countless lives. I wish you all the best on your road to recovery!,” wrote another.
New South Wales premier Chris Minns described Mr Ahmed as a "genuine hero", and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: "We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others."These Australians are heroes, and their bravery has saved lives."
Australian police said a father and son - who have yet to be formally identified - were behind the shooting on Sunday in which 15 innocent people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl and a British-born rabbi.
The attack has been declared a terrorist incident targeting a Hanukkah celebration at a park next to the beach on the first day of the Jewish festival of lights, the force confirmed.
Speaking after the "pure evil" attack, Australian PM Anthony Albanese said "he's up" for stronger gun laws.
"The government is prepared to take whatever action is necessary - included in that is tougher gun laws," he told the press.
"I'm certainly up for it", he added."
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