Sydney shooting hero's identity emerges, not fruit seller
What's the story
Ahmed Al Ahmed, the man who disarmed a gunman during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, is not a fruit seller as widely reported earlier. Local media reports revealed that the 42-year-old owns a tobacco and specialty convenience store that has been in business since 2021. This misidentification led to confusion as Australians sought to thank him after the attack that killed 16 and injured dozens.
Business response
Sutherland Best Fresh clarifies miscommunication
The owners of Sutherland Best Fresh, a fruit business in southern Sydney, quickly clarified the misunderstanding on social media. They wrote, "There has been a miscommunication ... on where this great Australian hero's fruit shop location is." They congratulated Al Ahmed and wished him a speedy recovery while praying for those affected by the tragedy.
Heroic intervention
Al Ahmed's heroic act during Bondi Beach attack
The attack occurred shortly after 6:45pm local time on Sunday, targeting a Jewish gathering at Bondi Beach. Two gunmen opened fire from an elevated footbridge, causing chaos among thousands present for the "Chanukah by the Sea" celebration. Al Ahmed, who was there with a friend for coffee, confronted one of the attackers up close. His father, Mohamed Fateh Al Ahmed, said instinct took over when his son saw people lying on the ground bleeding heavily.
Father's account
Al Ahmed's father recounts son's instinctive response
Mohamed Fateh Al Ahmed said, "When he saw people laying on the ground and the blood everywhere, immediately his conscience and his soul compelled him to pounce on one of the terrorists and rid him of his weapon." This brave act was caught on video and aired across Australian and international media. It is widely believed to have saved more lives during this tragic event.