Ahmed al-Ahmed, dubbed the “Bondi Beach Hero,” has emphasized that his sole motivation for intervening in the Sydney attack, described as “the worst Australia has seen in decades,” was to protect innocent lives. The attack, which occurred two weeks ago, claimed the lives of 15 people.
In an interview set to air Monday, al-Ahmed stated, “My only goal was to take the weapon away from him, to prevent him from killing anyone, from killing innocent people.” He added, “I know I saved many, but I still feel sorrow for the loss of life.”
On December 14th, two gunmen, identified as Sajed Akram and his son, Nuwid Akram, opened fire on individuals celebrating Hanukkah on the popular Bondi Beach, resulting in 15 fatalities and 42 injuries. Authorities have characterized the attack as being “inspired by ISIS ideology.”
Sajed Akram, 50, was killed by police during the attack, while his son, Nuwid, 24, remains in custody facing terrorism charges, 15 counts of murder, and accusations of committing a “terrorist act” and planting a bomb with intent to harm.
Al-Ahmed sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his shoulder after confronting one of the gunmen and has undergone several surgeries. Recalling the moment he jumped on the gunman’s back, restraining him with his right hand, al-Ahmed said, “I don’t want to see people being killed in front of me. I don’t want to see blood. I don’t want to hear the sound of gunfire. I don’t want to see people screaming and begging for help.”
Al-Ahmed was on the beach enjoying a coffee when the shooting began. A father of two, al-Ahmed immigrated to Australia from Syria in 2007.
Local media outlets have reported that the Australian government has expedited the processing of visas for al-Ahmed’s family.
