A civilian who intervened and disarmed one of the Bondi Beach attackers has been widely praised by world leaders, including US President Donald Trump and hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman, who announced an initiative to reward everyday heroes.
A viral video of the bystander’s actions quickly spread online Sunday, shortly after two men — later named as father and son — opened fire on a crowd celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, Bloomberg reported.
At least 15 people were killed in the attack, which is being described as the deadliest terrorist attack in Australian history.
In cellphone video, which Bloomberg News has not verified, one of the attackers is standing by a tree and firing. A few meters away, a crouching man emerges from behind a parked car. He grabs the gunman from behind and rips the gun from his hands. Local media have named the bystander as Ahmed el Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two from Sydney’s south. He was shot twice and is reportedly being treated in hospital.
He was also soon praised for his performance. At the White House, Trump said Ahmed had saved many lives and expressed “great respect” for him. In Sydney, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns went further, describing Ahmed’s struggle with the gunman as “the most unbelievable scene I have ever seen”.
“The man is a true hero and I have no doubt that because of his bravery many, many people are alive tonight,” Minns said at a news conference late Sunday.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also praised Ahmed and other bystanders who helped treat victims in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
“People rushing into danger to show the best of the Australian character,” Albanese told reporters on Monday. “This is us, the people behind our values.”
Pershing Square Capital Management founder Ackman called Ahmed a “courageous hero” and said his hedge fund firm would implement a reward program for people who have carried out similar acts.
The top donor to the gofundme page created for the “hero” who took on the shooter is listed as William Ackman, who gave $99,999. More than $170,000 has been raised so far.
Founder and CEO of Salesforce Inc. Marc Benioff also expressed his gratitude to Ahmed in a post on X.
(With inputs from Bloomberg)
