Australian Muslim Man Shot While Saving Countless Lives at Bondi Beach Says He’d Do it Again

The police froze for 20 minutes — he did not.

Ahmed al Ahmed, the Australian immigrant who wrestled a gun away from one of the shooters during Sunday’s deadly antisemitic terror attack in Australia, says he would do it all over again, according to his migration lawyer.

“He doesn’t regret what he did. He said he’d do it again. But the pain has started to take a toll on him,” lawyer Sam Issa said after visiting al Ahmed, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. “He’s not well at all. He’s riddled with bullets. Our hero is struggling at the moment.”

The 44-year-old Muslim father, who has two young daughters, ages five and six, was critically wounded while stopping the attacker. The outlet reported that al Ahmed fled Syria in 2006 and became an Australian citizen in 2022.

Issa said al Ahmed never sought attention — only to do what he felt was right.

“Ahmed’s a humble man, he’s not interested in coverage, he just did what he was compelled to do as a human being on that day,” Issa said. “He gets that gratitude from being in Australia. This is his way of conveying his gratitude for staying in Australia, for being granted citizenship.”

Issa said al Ahmed acted out of loyalty to the country and community that gave him a new life.

“He has really appreciated this community, and he felt that as a member of the community, he had to act that way and contribute.”

At least 15 people were killed in the attack.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the massacre “an act of pure evil,” “antisemitism,” and “terrorism,” saying it was “deliberately targeted at the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah.”

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns visited Ahmed in the hospital.

“Ahmed is a real-life hero. Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk. It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW,” Minns said on X.

Ahmed is a real-life hero. Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk.

It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW. pic.twitter.com/3xNBW8vxvZ

— Chris Minns (@ChrisMinnsMP) December 15, 2025

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales Praised Ahmed Al Ahmed who saved countless lives by disarming one of the shooters with his bare hands.#AhmedAlAhmed #bondibeachpic.twitter.com/1QzhhHt0QI

— Dr Ahmad Rehan Khan (@AhmadRehanKhan) December 14, 2025