In his first public interview, Ahmed al‑Ahmed recounts the terrifying Bondi Beach attack and the brave actions that made him a national hero
Ahmed al‑Ahmed, the Australian man hailed as a hero for his brave actions during the deadly Bondi Beach shooting, has spoken publicly for the first time about what he did to try to save lives.
His interview, aired in full on CBS News, gives a raw and personal look at the moment he confronted one of the gunmen and why he acted the way he did.
On December 14, during a
terrifying attack at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach, two gunmen opened fire, killing at least 15 people and injuring dozens. Amid the chaos, footage showed al‑Ahmed—a shop owner and father of two—leap from behind a car and tackle one of the attackers, wrestling the weapon away.
‘My target was just to take the gun’
Speaking from his hospital bed after multiple surgeries, al‑Ahmed described exactly what went through his mind during those harrowing moments.
“My target was just to take the gun from him and to stop him from killing a human being’s life and not killing innocent people,” he told CBS.
Watch the snippet of the interview here:
Ahmed al-Ahmed, who confronted the Bondi Beach gunman, said:
He knows he saved many lives — innocent children, women, elderly people, and others — but he still feels deep sorrow for those who were lost.
— Ounka (@OunkaOnX) December 29, 2025
He also shared what pushed him to intervene so boldly. “I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost,” al‑Ahmed said, expressing grief for those who died in the attack.
Recalling the struggle, he said: “I jumped on his back, hit him… 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,’ and it’s come all in fast.”
Al‑Ahmed explained that at the time, he wasn’t thinking of his own safety. “I don’t want to see people killed in front of me. I don’t want to see blood… I don’t want to see people screaming and begging, asking for help,” he said, describing his instinctive reaction to protect those around him.
During the attack, he was shot multiple times but continued to help where he could. Since then, he has undergone several surgeries and is slowly recovering.
Al‑Ahmed’s courage has drawn praise from across Australia and around the world. NSW Premier Chris Minns called his actions “incredible bravery” and said they likely saved many lives.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also visited him in hospital and described his actions as an example of “the strength of humanity.”
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