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Sydney shop owner stops gunman in Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996
A Sydney man who wrestled a gun from one of two attackers during a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach has described the moment he decided to intervene, saying his actions saved "lots of people" but left him mourning those lost.
The attack
Fifteen people were killed and 40 injured on Sunday, 14 December, when two gunmen opened fire at a Jewish community gathering. Police have classified the incident as a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish population.
Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police at the scene. His son Naveed, the second alleged gunman, was later charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.
Ahmed al Ahmed's intervention
Ahmed al Ahmed, a 42-year-old shop owner born in Syria and now a father of two, tackled Sajid Akram from behind, seizing the weapon as it fired. Footage verified by authorities shows him grappling with the gunman while shouting, "Drop your gun, stop doing what you're doing."
In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Mr Ahmed said his sole focus was to "take the gun from him and stop him from killing."
"I don't want to see people killed in front of me. I don't want to see blood. I don't want to hear his gun. I don't want to see people screaming and begging, asking for help. That's my soul asking me to do that."
Ahmed al Ahmed
Injuries and recovery
Mr Ahmed was shot multiple times in the shoulder by the second gunman while restraining Sajid Akram. He underwent at least three surgeries and remains in hospital.
During his recovery, he received a A$2.5 million (£1.24 million; $1.7 million) donation from tens of thousands of community members who contributed to a fund in recognition of his bravery.
National recognition
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Mr Ahmed in hospital, praising him as "the best of our country." New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called him a "real-life hero."
Mr Ahmed's parents told BBC Arabic their son acted "driven by his sentiment, conscience and humanity."
Aftermath and reflections
Despite being hailed as a hero, Mr Ahmed expressed sorrow for the lives lost. "I feel something, a power in my body, my brain," he said, describing the moment he decided to act. "But I feel sorry still for the lost."
