A man has been captured on video tackling and disarming one of the suspected shooters during the deadly attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where 12 people have been confirmed dead. According to local media reports, the man has been identified as Ahmed el Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner. His cousin reportedly confirmed that he was shot twice and is expected to undergo surgery.
The shooting occurred as an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah was reportedly taking place. Footage from the scene shows the bystander rushing towards an armed man in a car park and wrestling a rifle from him in a moment of extraordinary bravery that may have saved multiple lives.
Local media identifies man as Ahmed el Ahmed
Reports say Ahmed grabbed the gun from one of the alleged terrorists and was later shot in the leg and shoulder by another attacker. He has since undergone surgery and is currently hospitalised. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed his identity.
UPDATE: The hero of Bondi has been named. He is Ahmed el Ahmed, a 43 year old fruit shop owner who grabbed the gun off one of the terrorists, he was subsequently shot in the leg and shoulder by another terrorist. Praying that his surgery goes well. He is currently in hospital. pic.twitter.com/lf2TCNkPpY
— Samara Gill (@SamaramGill) December 14, 2025
What can be seen in the video?
The video shows the bystander running up behind a man wearing a dark shirt who is holding a rifle. He tackles the armed man from behind, forcibly wrenching the weapon from his hands and briefly pointing it back at him. The alleged gunman then loses his footing and retreats towards a nearby bridge, where another shooter was positioned. The bystander places the rifle on the ground and backs away from the scene.
Social media hails ‘heroic’ act
The clip spread rapidly across social media platforms, with users praising the man’s courage and describing his actions as heroic. Many said his intervention likely prevented further loss of life during the attack. NSW Premier calls it ‘the most unbelievable scene’
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the footage as extraordinary. “It was the ‘most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen’,” Minns said. He added, “A man walking up to a gunman who had fired on the community and single-handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save the lives of countless other people.”
“That man is a genuine hero, and I’ve got no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also commended the bystander and others who helped during the attack. He praised the actions of Australians who had “run towards danger in order to help others”, telling a news conference, “these Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives.”
Police investigations into the attack remain ongoing as authorities continue to piece together the events surrounding one of the deadliest shootings in a public place in Australia.