Ahmed al‑Ahmed, the 44‑year‑old praised for his bravery in tackling one of the alleged gunmen during the Bondi Beach terror attack, has undergone a second surgery to treat the life‑altering injuries he sustained.
The father of two's lawyer, Sam Issa, said the procedure was successful but cautioned that the road to recovery remains long.
“Ahmed’s in a lot of discomfort today, naturally,” Issa told the ABC. “It was a very complex operation because it involves nerve damage.”
Al‑Ahmed is currently in critical but stable condition at St George Hospital in Sydney. Medical staff are preparing for another grueling eight‑hour surgery scheduled for Friday.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese meets Ahmed al-Ahmed in the hospital. Credit: Instagram
Hero in the face of terror
The attack on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Bondi Beach, where families had gathered for a Hanukkah celebration, became one of the deadliest shootings in Australia’s history.
Two alleged gunmen, identified as Sajid Akram and his 24‑year‑old son Naveed Akram, opened fire on crowds, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Authorities have declared the incident a terrorist act.
Footage from the scene shows Ahmed wrestling a rifle away from Sajid in a split‑second move that undoubtedly saved countless lives.
After disarming the shooter, he briefly aimed the weapon back at him but did not fire, ultimately resting the rifle against a tree moments before another bystander intervened. Naveed, holding a firearm on a nearby footbridge, witnessed the confrontation.
Following the attack, police found ISIS flags and improvised explosive devices in a vehicle linked to the suspects, reinforcing concerns about extremist violence.
Naveed, who was critically injured and hospitalized, has since been charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and multiple terror‑related charges.
Authorities are awaiting his recovery before formal questioning to ensure he understands the charges.
Support pours in for the hero
A GoFundMe launched to honor Ahmed for “[preventing] the loss of countless more lives” has raised more than $2.5 million.
Among the first donors was US billionaire hedge fund boss Bill Ackman, who pledged $99,999 within hours.
Prominent political and community figures have visited the man in the hospital, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, NSW Premier Chris Minns, and Governor‑General Sam Mostyn, all hailing him as a hero.
“He’s very humble,” Albanese said after his visit. “At a moment where we have seen evil perpetrated, he shines out as an example of the strength of humanity. We are a brave country.”
Albanese added that Ahmed al‑Ahmed “represents the best of our country.”
In a video released by Turkey’s public broadcaster TRT World, the hero expressed deep gratitude for the support he has received, asking supporters to keep him in their prayers.
“May Allah reward you and grant you well‑being. God willing, we will return to you with joy,” he said. “Through Allah, I went through a very difficult phase. Only Allah knows it.”