Hero who disarmed terrorist speaks out weeks after deadly attack
By The Guardian, December 29, 2025Ahmed al Ahmed, who disarmed one of the Bondi gunmen before being shot five times, has said he knows his actions saved many lives, even as he mourns those who were killed in the attack.
Speaking to CBS News, Ahmed said he did not worry about his own safety as he moved to stop Sajid Akram during the attack on December 14, 2025. Footage of the moment, which showed him wrestling the gun from the attacker, was later shared widely around the world.
“My target was just to take the gun from him and stop him from killing innocent people,” Ahmed said. “I know I saved many lives, but I feel very sorry for those who were lost.”
Akram was later shot dead by police during the attack on a Hanukkah event in which 15 people were killed. His son, Naveed Akram, was wounded by police and later charged with 59 offences.
Video from the scene shows Ahmed jumping from behind a parked car to confront Sajid Akram. During the struggle, the gun fell to the ground. Ahmed picked it up and pointed it at the attacker, who then retreated towards his son on a nearby footbridge.
“I jumped on his back and held him, telling him to drop the gun and stop what he was doing,” Ahmed recalled. He said his actions were driven by an overwhelming instinct to stop further bloodshed and spare people from fear and suffering.
Ahmed added that he never considered shooting the disarmed gunman. “I did not think to shoot. I do not want to take a human life,” he said.
The 44-year-old was shot five times shortly after overpowering Akram. He has since undergone three surgeries at a Sydney hospital and is recovering well, according to members of the local Syrian Australian community.
Ahmed, a tobacco shop owner from southern Sydney, had been out getting coffee with his cousin when the shooting began.
His bravery has drawn widespread praise. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited him in the hospital and told him his courage was inspiring.
Last week, Lubaba Alhmidi AlKahil of the Australians for Syria Association said Ahmed’s left arm is unlikely to regain normal function for at least six months due to nerve damage. She added that his shop in Sutherland is not expected to reopen soon, as he focuses on rest, recovery and time with his family.
Visitors to Ahmed during his recovery have included New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, Australian Governor General Sam Mostyn, who passed on personal thanks from King Charles, and David Ossip, president of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies.
A fundraiser launched for Ahmed on GoFundMe has raised about Ksh322.25M ($2.5M).