Who is fruit seller who tackled Sydney beach shooter?
What's the story
Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from Sydney, has been hailed as a hero for his brave act during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach. The attack, which targeted a Jewish Hanukkah event, resulted in the deaths of at least 16 people, along with dozens injured. According to News.com.au, Ahmed, a father of two, was shot twice while intervening during the attack.
Heroic intervention
Ahmed's heroic act captured on video
Footage from the scene shows Ahmed, wearing a white shirt, crouched behind a car in a parking lot near one of the shooters. During a pause in gunfire, he dashed between parked cars and grabbed the assailant from behind in a headlock. After a five-second struggle, he wrested away the shotgun and pointed it at the gunman, who retreated toward a nearby bridge while looking over his shoulder.
Twitter Post
Video of Ahmed's heroism shared on social media
A courageous bystander has confronted one of the alleged Bondi shooters and managed to disarm him.
— katy 🌸 (@KatyKray73) December 14, 2025
This bystander has potentially saved many lives by this act of bravery.
A true hero! Thank you! 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/blAK9JxV6I
Family's concern
Ahmed's condition and family's hopes
Ahmed, a father of two who owns a fruit shop in Sutherland, is now hospitalized and was scheduled for surgery on Sunday night. His cousin Mustafa told 7News that they are hopeful for his recovery. "He's in [the] hospital, and we don't know exactly what's going on inside. We do hope he will be fine. He's a hero 100%," Mustafa said.
Attack details
Mass shooting at Bondi Beach
The mass shooting targeted a Jewish event at Bondi Beach Park, which was crowded due to the Bondi Christmas markets. New South Wales Police stated at least 16 dead, including one suspected shooter. A second alleged shooter is in critical condition. Emergency services responded to reports of gunfire on Campbell Parade around 6:45pm on Sunday.
Ongoing investigation
Investigation underway, exclusion zone established
Authorities have set up an exclusion zone and are examining suspicious items found nearby. "An extensive crime scene has been established, and inquiries are now underway. There have been no reports of any other incidents in Sydney connected to this incident," a police statement said. The police confirmed that 40 people were injured, including two police officers. Emergency services responded to reports of shots being fired on Campbell Parade at about 6:45pm (Australian Eastern Daylight Time) on Sunday.