Bondi Beach Hero Identified: 43-Year-Old Ahmed Al Ahmed Credited With Disarming Sydney Attacker

Authorities have identified the civilian who intervened during the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney as 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed, whose courageous actions are widely credited with preventing further loss of life.

Police confirmed that Al Ahmed confronted and disarmed one of the attackers during the chaos, despite being shot twice in the process. He was transported to a hospital for treatment and is expected to recover, officials said.

The intervention took place amid a mass shooting during the “Chanukah by the Sea” Hanukkah event on Sunday evening, which authorities are investigating as a suspected terror attack.

According to NSW Police, two gunmen opened fire on the crowded beachfront gathering shortly after 6:40 p.m., triggering panic as hundreds of attendees fled the area.

Officials reported that dozens of shots were fired.

Video footage reviewed by investigators appears to show two individuals dressed in black firing what looked like shotgun-style weapons from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club.

Police later confirmed that at least 10 people were killed, with some briefings citing up to 12 fatalities as victim identification continues.

More than 11 people were injured, several of them critically. One suspect was killed at the scene, and another remains hospitalized in critical condition.

One of the suspected attackers has been identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram as investigators work to determine the motive and whether the attack involved additional coordination.

Authorities have described the incident as an antisemitic assault targeting a religious celebration.

The attack drew swift condemnation and expressions of sympathy from leaders in Australia and around the world. International reaction included criticism of the timing of an earlier social media post by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had shared Hanukkah greetings shortly before news of the attack surfaced; he later issued condolences.

Australian officials and Israel’s president publicly mourned the victims and praised the bravery of first responders and civilians who acted to protect others.

Police have increased security measures across Sydney and continue to urge the public to avoid the immediate area while the investigation remains active.

Further updates are expected as authorities release confirmed casualty figures and additional details about the suspects and the circumstances of the attack.