SYDNEY December 16, 2025 – Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Ahmed al-Ahmed, the Syrian-born Australian hailed as a national hero for disarming one of the gunmen during Sunday’s deadly terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, at St George Hospital in Sydney on Tuesday.
In a post on X accompanied by a video and photo of the bedside meeting, Albanese described al-Ahmed as “an Australian hero” who “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,” the Prime Minister wrote. “On behalf of every Australian, I say thank you.”
Al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner and recent Australian citizen, was seriously injured after tackling and disarming one of the attackers during the antisemitic terror incident, which targeted a Hanukkah celebration and claimed 15 lives while injuring dozens more. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds, primarily to his left arm and shoulder, and has undergone several surgeries, with more planned.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Albanese called al-Ahmed a “humble man” who was simply “trying to get a cup of coffee” when he found himself in the midst of the chaos and chose to act bravely. The Prime Minister also met al-Ahmed’s parents, who are visiting from Syria and expressed immense pride in their son.
Albanese emphasized national unity in the wake of the attack, which authorities have linked to Islamic State ideology. “What terrorists seek to do is to create division,” he said, adding that al-Ahmed’s actions “represent the best of our country” and serve as an inspiration.
The visit comes as public support for al-Ahmed continues to grow, with fundraisers surpassing $2 million and widespread praise across political lines. Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn also visited the hero later in the day.
The Bondi Beach shooting, carried out by a father-son duo, has prompted pledges from Albanese and state leaders to strengthen national gun laws.
Al-Ahmed, despite his injuries, has reportedly told loved ones he has no regrets and would act the same way again.
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