SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA December 29, 2025 – In an exclusive interview with CBS News, Ahmed al Ahmed, the Syrian-Australian shop owner hailed as a national hero for disarming one of the gunmen during the deadly antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach, has spoken publicly for the first time about the harrowing events of December 14. Al Ahmed, a father of two who was critically wounded in the confrontation, recounted his instinctive actions that authorities say saved countless lives amid the chaos that claimed 15 victims, including children, at a Hanukkah celebration.
“I jumped on his back, hit him… drop your gun, stop doing what you’re doing,” al Ahmed described in the interview, gesturing vividly as he relived the moment. “No, I didn’t worry about anything. I was just, my target was just to take the gun from him and to stop him from killing a human being’s life and not killing innocent people.” He emphasized the surge of adrenaline and moral imperative that drove him: “I feel something, a power in my body… My soul asked me to do that.” Despite his heroism, al Ahmed expressed profound regret over the lives lost, stating, “I know I saved lots of people’s lives, and I’ve seen kids and women and all this, and men. I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry still for the lost.”
The attack, classified by Australian authorities as an ISIS-inspired act of terrorism targeting the Jewish community, unfolded when two gunmen opened fire and threw explosives at a crowd of thousands gathered for a public menorah lighting. Al Ahmed, who was simply out for coffee near the scene, spotted one assailant—identified as Sajid Akram—and charged at him without hesitation. In the struggle, al Ahmed was shot multiple times but managed to wrestle the weapon away, allowing police to intervene. He underwent emergency surgery and has been recovering in hospital, where he was visited by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who praised his “extraordinary courage.”
As a Muslim immigrant from Syria and owner of a local fruit shop, al Ahmed’s actions have resonated deeply, symbolizing unity in the face of hate. “Heroism isn’t rehearsed. It shows up in seconds that change everything,” one social media user posted, echoing widespread admiration. Global leaders and communities have rallied around him: the Jewish community raised over $1 million for his family, and U.S. officials, including President Trump, have commended his bravery as a counter to rising antisemitism. “This man is a real hero. In a world full of hate, his courage gives me hope,” another commenter wrote, sharing clips of the interview.
However, the story has not been without controversy. Some online skeptics have questioned details of the incident, with one X user asking, “Who shot Ahmed al Ahmed? Did the shooter get another gun?” amid broader debates over the attack’s aftermath. Reports have also surfaced of death threats against al Ahmed on pro-Palestinian platforms, with a poll on one site showing 75% opposition to his actions, prompting concerns about imported extremism. Critics, including opposition figures, argue this highlights the need for a royal commission into antisemitism and migration policies, rather than the independent review announced by Albanese.
Al Ahmed’s humility shines through despite the acclaim. “I didn’t think of anything but saving innocent lives,” he told CBS correspondent Anna Coren. The full interview airs tomorrow on CBS Mornings, offering further insight into one of Australia’s most tragic recent events. As the nation grapples with healing, al Ahmed’s story stands as a testament to individual valor bridging divides, even as calls for deeper investigations into the roots of such violence intensify.
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