In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Ahmed al Ahmed, a Sydney shop owner who courageously disarmed a gunman during a mass shooting at a Jewish event in Bondi Beach, shared his harrowing experience. The tragic incident on December 14 claimed the lives of 15 people and injured 40 others, marking it as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since 1996.
Ahmed described the moment he tackled one of the two shooters, Sajid Akram, saying, I hold him with my right hand and start saying a word, you know, like to warn him - 'drop your gun, stop doing what you're doing.' While he managed to wrestle the gun away from Akram, he was shot multiple times by another gunman. Ahmed admitted that his heroic act saved numerous lives, yet he still mourns the loss of others and feels deeply affected by the tragedy.
Reflecting on his state of mind during the chaos, Ahmed stated, Emotionally, I'm doing something... I don't want to see people killed in front of me, I don't want to see blood, I don't want to hear his gun, I don't want to see people screaming... That's my soul asking me to do that.
Following his bravery, Ahmed received widespread gratitude and support from the community, including a substantial fundraising effort that collected A$2.5 million for him. Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, along with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, hailed him as a true hero for his selfless actions.
As investigations continue, the second shooter, Naveed Akram, has been charged with multiple offenses, including 15 counts of murder. Ahmed's bravery amidst such horror has highlighted the heroic capacity of individuals in times of crisis.
Ahmed described the moment he tackled one of the two shooters, Sajid Akram, saying, I hold him with my right hand and start saying a word, you know, like to warn him - 'drop your gun, stop doing what you're doing.' While he managed to wrestle the gun away from Akram, he was shot multiple times by another gunman. Ahmed admitted that his heroic act saved numerous lives, yet he still mourns the loss of others and feels deeply affected by the tragedy.
Reflecting on his state of mind during the chaos, Ahmed stated, Emotionally, I'm doing something... I don't want to see people killed in front of me, I don't want to see blood, I don't want to hear his gun, I don't want to see people screaming... That's my soul asking me to do that.
Following his bravery, Ahmed received widespread gratitude and support from the community, including a substantial fundraising effort that collected A$2.5 million for him. Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, along with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, hailed him as a true hero for his selfless actions.
As investigations continue, the second shooter, Naveed Akram, has been charged with multiple offenses, including 15 counts of murder. Ahmed's bravery amidst such horror has highlighted the heroic capacity of individuals in times of crisis.
