Billionaire makes huge donation to fruit-seller who disarmed Sydney shooter
What's the story
Ahmed al Ahmed, the Sydney fruit shop owner who disarmed a gunman during the recent Bondi Beach shooting, is recovering in hospital after surgery for bullet wounds. The 43-year-old father-of-two was injured when he tackled one of the attackers at a Jewish celebration. He has since undergone surgery and is expected to make a full recovery.
Fundraising success
Crowdfunding campaign for Ahmed nears $1 million
A crowdfunding campaign for Ahmed has raised almost $1 million, with prominent billionaire Bill Ackman among the donors. Ackman had urged people to set up a verified donation page for Ahmed. "Can someone please set up a verified (donation page) so we can reward him and his family," Ackman wrote. He later donated $99,000 himself. The GoFundMe campaign has received widespread support and is currently at around $975,000 as of 7:00pm AEDT on Sunday.
Global recognition
Ahmed's actions praised globally, family expresses gratitude
Ahmed's brave act of disarming the gunman has been lauded worldwide, including by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His cousin Mustafa called him "a hero" and said doctors have informed them that he is stable after surgery. "He is a hero, he is a hundred percent hero," Mustafa said.
Tragic incident
Attack on Bondi Beach leaves 15 dead
Ahmed hid behind a vehicle and crept toward the gunman before putting him in a headlock. He wrestled with the gunman until he dropped the firearm. Ahmed then turned his handgun on the gunman and called for help. The Bondi Beach shooting left 15 people dead, making it Australia's worst mass shooting in nearly three decades. The attack was carried out by a father-son duo. Australian PM Anthony Albanese has vowed that justice will be served after this "evil" attack.