Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Ahmed al Ahmed in hospital, praising his bravery for confronting and disarming a gunman during the Bondi Beach shooting, an act credited with saving multiple lives
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Tuesday visited Ahmed al Ahmed in hospital following his actions during the Bondi Beach
shooting, which has been described as the deadliest gun attack in the country in decades. The Prime Minister acknowledged Ahmed’s role in confronting a gunman and credited his actions with saving lives during the violence that unfolded on Sunday evening.
Sharing a photograph from the visit on X, Albanese was seen shaking hands with Ahmed and described him as “an Australian hero” who ran towards danger to protect others. The Prime Minister praised Ahmed’s courage and selflessness, saying his actions reflected the best of the nation.
Ahmed, you are an Australian hero.
You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger on Bondi Beach and disarming a terrorist.
In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians. And that’s exactly what we saw on Sunday night.
On behalf of every Australian, I… pic.twitter.com/mAoObU3TZD
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 16, 2025
Confronting the gunman at Bondi Beach
The attack began at around 6:45 pm during a public Hanukkah celebration, when two gunmen opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the crowd. Ahmed lunged at one of the attackers, wrestled the rifle away and disarmed him, despite being shot. He is believed to have saved numerous lives before being shot twice.
Speaking to reporters after the hospital visit, Albanese said Ahmed’s response to the attack sent a message of unity in the face of terror. “We are a brave country. Ahmad al-Ahmad represents the best of our country,” Albanese said. “We will not allow this country to be divided. That is what the terrorists seek. We will unite, we will embrace each other and we’ll get through this.”
Ahmed, thank you on behalf of every Australian. pic.twitter.com/H7RXr5o9sc
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 16, 2025
Despite being described as “riddled with bullets” and struggling with pain, Ahmed, who is in his 40s, reportedly told his migration lawyer, Sam Issa, that he would act the same way again.
“He doesn’t regret what he did,” Issa told The Age after visiting Ahmed at St George Hospital in Kogarah. “He said he’d do it again. But the pain has started to take a toll on him. He’s not well at all. He’s riddled with bullets. Our hero is struggling at the moment,” he added.
Ahmed sustained multiple injuries, mainly to his left arm, with one bullet still lodged in his left shoulder blade and yet to be removed. His lawyer has expressed concern that he may lose his left arm due to the severity of the wounds.
A Syrian-born Muslim, Ahmed arrived in Australia in 2006 and was granted citizenship in 2022 after an earlier application was refused due to minor legal charges that were later dropped. Issa said he would seek citizenship for Ahmed’s elderly parents in recognition of their son’s bravery.
Both Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns have publicly commended Ahmed’s actions. His bravery has also prompted widespread public support, with more than 5,700 donors raising over $570,000 through a GoFundMe campaign, including a $100,000 contribution from US billionaire Bill Ackman.
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