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• Video captures an unarmed civilian tackling an active shooter during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s Bondi Beach.
• At least 12 people were killed, including a rabbi and a child, before the gunman was disarmed and forced to flee.
• Police have classified the shooting as terrorism, triggering a full counterterrorism investigation.

By Samuel Lopez | USA Herald - A Sydney father of two is being hailed as a hero after video footage showed him disarming an armed terrorist during a deadly attack on a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, an intervention authorities say likely prevented further mass casualties.

The footage shows 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmad, an unarmed fruit shop owner from Sutherland, sneaking up behind a gunman who had opened fire on families gathered for the “Chanukah by the Sea” event. Al Ahmad tackles the attacker, wrestles away the rifle, and then holds the weapon on the fleeing suspect—without firing a shot.

Moments later, the gunman escapes.

What the Video Shows

The video, now widely circulating, shows chaos along the beachfront as gunfire erupts. Al Ahmad approaches from behind, lunges, and brings the attacker to the ground.

The rifle changes hands.

Al Ahmad backs up, wounded, but steady. He keeps the weapon trained on the suspect as the attacker stumbles away and disappears into the crowd.

Injuries and Aftermath

Family members say al Ahmad was shot twice, once in the arm and once in the hand, and required emergency surgery.

“He has two shots, one in his arm here and one in his hands,” a cousin told reporters. “He is a 100 percent hero.”

Despite his injuries, al Ahmad remained at the scene long enough to ensure the attacker could not immediately resume firing.

Why He Didn’t Fire

Social media speculation has suggested al Ahmad may not have fired because he had never handled a firearm and may not have known how to reload the rifle, believed to be a Beretta bolt-action–style weapon.

Authorities have not confirmed that theory, and police have not suggested that al Ahmad’s restraint was improper or unsafe. From a public-safety standpoint, experts note that firing a seized weapon in a crowded environment can introduce significant risk of additional casualties.

Deadly Attack Under Investigation

Police say two men opened fire during the public religious celebration, killing 12 people, including a rabbi and a child. The attack is being treated as a terrorist act, and counterterrorism units remain actively involved.

Investigators have not yet released the identities of all suspects or clarified whether additional accomplices are being sought.

International Reaction

The attack and al Ahmad’s actions quickly drew global attention.

U.S. President Donald Trump praised al Ahmad, calling him “a very, very brave person” and stating that he likely “saved a lot of lives.”

Australian officials echoed those remarks, emphasizing that al Ahmad’s actions disrupted an active threat at a critical moment.

What’s Next

Authorities are expected to:

• Announce formal charges and suspect identifications.
• Release additional details regarding the weapon and accomplices.

Sources

• Verified video footage from Bondi Beach
• Statements from Ahmed al Ahmad’s family
• Public remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump