An incredible $1 million has been raised for the hero bystander who tackled one of the alleged gunmen during the Bondi Beach terror attack.
At least 15 people have tragically died and dozens more have been injured as two gunmen opened fire on families gathered on Syndey’s Bondi Beach on Sunday (December 14) in what is now being declared a terrorist incident.
The horrific attack unfolded as more than 1,000 Jewish people came together to celebrate Hannukah.
A 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, a British Rabbi, a retired New South Wales police officer and a French national are among the victims who have been named so far.
The suspected gunmen, who stand accused of launching the deadliest attack on Australian soil in three decades, have since been identified as a father-and-son duo, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed, 24.
While Sajid was declared dead at the scene, Naveed is reportedly in critical condition in hospital.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has since claimed the pair were acting alone and were not part of a wider cell, though they were ‘clearly’ motivated by extremism.
Despite the tragedy, Australia and the rest of the world have been eagerly awaiting to find out if an innocent civilian who took matters into his own hands by managing to disarm one of the gunmen amid the killing spree has recovered from his injuries.
Ahmad Al Ahmed’s heroic actions touched the world as he could be seen in a clip that has since gone viral, putting his own life at risk as he tackled the gunman.
Ahmed, who moved to Australia from Syria in 2006, was first spotted crouching down behind parked cars while the suspected shooter was spraying bullets with his back turned.
As screams could be heard ringing out in the nail-biting moment, Ahmed then jumped out from behind the cars and onto the back of the suspect, where he wrestled him in a tense tussle over the rifle.
Fortunately, Ahmed managed to seize the weapon, which he proceeded to point at the suspect.
The father-of-two has since been praised for his incredible act of courage, which probably saved countless more lives as people fled the beach.
A fundraiser for the 43-year-old Sydney fruit shop owner has since raised more than $1 million, and is inching closer to far surpassing that amount as the minutes go by.
Billionaire Bill Ackman, a Jewish investment banker, is said to have donated $99,000 in the GoFundMe.
The GoFundMe set up to ‘show our gratitude and support’ for the father reads: “After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act.
“In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety. Early reports indicate he was shot twice in the process while protecting others.”
Ahmed’s family has confirmed he was injured in the attack, sustaining gunshot wounds to his arm and hand, though fortunately, he appears to be on the mend.
His cousin, Mustafa, told 7News Australia: “He is a hero, 100 percent he is a hero. He has two shots, one in his arm and one in his hand.”
In an update today, he added: “I hope he will be fine. I saw him last night. He was alright but we’re waiting to see what the doctor (says).”
His father added: “When he did what he did, he wasn’t thinking about the background of the people he’s saving, the people dying in the street. He doesn’t discriminate between one nationality and another. Especially here in Australia, there’s no difference between one citizen and another.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has also visited Ahmed in hospital, writing on Twitter: “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.
“There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage.”
At approximately 18.47pm local time today (Sunday, December 14), New South Wales police responded to reports of gunfire at the popular Australian beach where more than 1,000 people were celebrating the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah.
Cops have now confirmed 12 people have died, including one alleged gunman. Another suspect remains in critical condition while dozens more, at least 29 at the time of writing, including a child and two officers, have been taken to hospital for treatment.
The horrific incident in Sydney has since been declared a terrorist attack and now stands as the deadliest shooting in the country since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
Now, social media is flooded with footage of the incident from witnesses and bystanders, including terrifying moments the suspected shooters took cover from a bridge leading to the beach to open fire at civilians.
Other footage shows how panic broke out, with hundreds fleeing from the scene and the vicinity.
Meanwhile, another viral clip shows one civilian appearing to take matters into his own hands, who has since been applauded around the world for his courageous quick-thinking act that may have saved countless innocent lives.
The incredible footage shows the man, wearing a light t-shirt and black trousers, crouching behind a parked car while the alleged suspect could be seen shooting his firearm with his back turned.
Seconds later, the brave bystander is seen creeping behind the suspect before jumping up to throw his arms around him, where he grappled him to the floor in the incredibly heroic attempt to disarm him.
There’s a tense moment as the shooter still appears in possession of the weapon until the civilian manages to wrestle it free.
As the suspect scrambles to his feet, the bystander is seen pointing the weapon at the suspect as he promptly retreats. The hero then gently places the weapon down against a tree where he proceeds to take cover.
While the sound of gunshots could be heard ringing out in the background throughout, the video then pans to the other suspect, apparently still firing at people from the vantage point on the bridge.
As it does, it captures what appears to be another bystander running into frame to throw an object at the now disarmed and retreating shooter.
The second shooter also appears to be returning fire somewhere before a flying bullet hits the side of the bridge near his position.
The footage then pans back to the two civilians, now crouched behind a tree. The man who threw the object could be seen reaching for the weapon before grabbing his wrist, apparently injured.
Cops then can be seen approaching the man on the bridge where they apparently go on to ‘neutralise’ the threat.
The man who disarmed the suspect has since been identified as father-of-two, Ahmed Al Ahmed, who reportedly owns a fruit shop.
His cousin, who spoke to 7News Australia, says the 43-year-old has no experience using a weapon and is in hospital receiving treatment for two gunshot wounds in his arm and shoulder.
Premier Chris Minns is one of many celebrating Ahmed, saying in a statement: “That man is a genuine hero, and I’ve got no doubt there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”
In an update, cops also confirmed a bomb disposal unit has been deployed after discovering a vehicle which may contain several improvised explosives.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a news briefing: “An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation.”
Albanese said the attack on the Jewish community took place on a day that should have been a ‘day of joy,’ adding that there’s no place for this ‘vile act of violence and hate’.