The hero who ambushed a gunman from behind during the Sydney beach shooting and wrestled the weapon away has been identified as a fruit shop owner in his 40s. He reportedly suffered gunshot wounds and is currently recovering in the hospital.
On Monday, Australian Seven News and the BBC reported that the courageous protagonist of the widely shared online video, who risked his life to subdue the shooter at the scene, has been identified as Ahmed Al Ahmed, a Sydney fruit shop owner.
Footage from the previous evening shows Ahmed hiding behind a vehicle, watching the shooter who was firing a rifle under a large tree. Ahmed then rushed in to tackle the gunman, wrapped his arms around the assailant’s neck from behind, and succeeded in snatching the gun after a physical struggle. The startled shooter fell backward, and upon seeing Ahmed aim the confiscated weapon at him, retreated towards a pedestrian bridge where an accomplice was reportedly waiting. As the shooter fled, Ahmed lowered the gun and waved his empty hands in the air., signaling to approaching police officers that he was not the perpetrator.
Australian media reports that Ahmed is a father of two children and runs a local fruit shop. His name suggests possible Arab or Middle Eastern heritage.
Family members stated that Ahmed sustained gunshot wounds to his arms and hands. He was rushed to the hospital for surgery and is currently in recovery. Ahmed’s cousin, Mustafa, told 7News, “Ahmed is still in the hospital. We are not entirely sure what is happening, but the doctors say he is doing okay. He is a hero.”
Australian leaders were quick to commend Ahmed’s bravery. Before his identity was revealed, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns lauded him during a press briefing, stating, “Ahmed is a real-life hero. His incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk.” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also remarked, “We saw many Australians putting their lives on the line to save others. The bravery of these heroes has undoubtedly saved lives.”
