Parents Praise Son Who Disarmed Terrorist during Bondi Beach Shooting
The Bondi Beach shooting was carried out by a father- son duo, one killed and one arrested, in what authorities are investigating as a targeted antisemitic terrorist attack with no additional suspects identified.
The parents of Ahmed Al Ahmed, the man credited with disarming one of the terrorists during the Bondi Beach mass shooting, have spoken of their pride in their son’s actions, describing him as a hero who acted on instinct to save lives.
The parents arrived in Sydney from Syria two months ago, little knowing that their son would soon be hailed as a hero for helping people during a terror attack.
In an interview with CBS News, Ahmed’s father, Mohammad Fatih Al-Ahmed, said:
“My son is a hero. He served with the police, and he has the instinct to protect people.
“When he saw those people on the ground covered in blood, his conscience and morals compelled him to attack one of the terrorists and take away his weapon, and the terrorist ran away.”
His mother said, “I learned he was involved in an incident and that he was in hospital.
“You know how a mother feels when she hears that her son is involved in an incident.
“Then, when I learned the details, I was very proud that my son was helping people and saving lives.”
The Syrian-born man is an Australian citizen. Ahmed was in the area having coffee with a friend when the tragic incident unfolded.
He rushed towards the gunman, snatched his weapon, and forced him to retreat. Ahmed was shot twice during the confrontation.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns shared a photo of himself with Mr Al Ahmed late on Monday and described him as a “real-life hero.”
“His incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk,” Minns wrote on Facebook.
It was truly commendable of Ahmed Al Ahmed to wrestle the shooter alone without any support. The dangerous shooter could have taken many innocent lives.
Ahmed is the owner of a tobacco and specialty convenience store, which he has operated since 2021.
The attackers have been identified as Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid was killed by the police while Naveed is in custody.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the incident, but Ahmed’s actions have been widely commended as an extraordinary act of courage in the face of extreme danger.
