The man who bravely tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen during the deadly Bondi Beach shooting has been identified as 43-year-old Ahmed el Ahmed. A local from Sydney, Ahmed owns a fruit shop in Sutherland, News.com.au reported.
Videos that surfaced online show him rushing to intervene during the attack on December 14, 2025, which left at least 10 people dead, including one of the shooters. The attack, reportedly targeted at a Jewish event on the beach, also injured at least 12 others, including two police officers.
In Hospital After Being Shot
Ahmed’s cousin, Mustafa, told 7News that Ahmed is currently in the hospital after being shot twice while stopping the gunman. “We do hope he will be fine. He’s a hero 100 per cent,” Mustafa said. Ahmed is scheduled for surgery later in the night.
Despite having no experience with firearms, Ahmed chose to step in when he saw the chaos unfolding. He is also a father of two.
Disarming the Gunman
Footage shows Ahmed crouching behind a car in a nearby car park, just a few metres from the shooter. He then rushes forward, grabs the gunman from behind in a headlock, and struggles fiercely to wrest the shotgun away. Eventually, Ahmed gains control, and the gunman falls backwards.
In the video, Ahmed is seen pointing the weapon at the shooter as the gunman retreats toward a bridge, glancing back over his shoulder. The shotgun is later placed against a tree, keeping it out of harm’s way.
Meanwhile, a second gunman appears on a raised bridge, ducking in and out of view while exchanging fire with police. Another officer moves from the opposite direction and shoots the gunman on the bridge, ending the immediate threat. The disarmed gunman was subsequently taken into custody.
Ahmed’s courage in stepping into a dangerous situation, despite lacking any firearm experience, has been praised widely. His quick thinking and bravery undoubtedly prevented further loss of life during one of Sydney’s most shocking attacks in recent memory.
