43-Year-Old Fruit Vendor Subdues Australian Gunman in Struggle, Seizes Weapon: "A True Hero"

Footage of the Incident Spreads Rapidly on Social Media
Subduing the Gunman Barehanded from Behind
Australian Prime Minister: "These People Are True Heroes"

The courageous act of a citizen who subdued a gunman with his bare hands during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, has captured global attention. On December 15, Yonhap News, citing the BBC and other foreign media, reported that a mass shooting occurred during the Jewish traditional festival "Hanukkah on the Beach" at the famous Bondi Beach in Sydney the previous day. At around 6:30 p.m., assailants opened fire on the crowd, resulting in at least 16 deaths and 40 injuries. One suspect, who engaged in a shootout with police, was also killed at the scene.

Ahmed Al Ahmed subduing the gunman in the mass shooting incident in Sydney, Australia. SNS

The individual who risked his life to subdue the gunman amid the chaos has been identified as Ahmed Al Ahmed, a 43-year-old ordinary citizen. The released footage shows, amid ongoing gunfire, a man cautiously approaching the shooter from behind and, after a struggle, managing to disarm him. According to the BBC, Ahmed heard the gunshots, left the fruit store he operated to assess the situation, and, hiding behind a parked vehicle, waited for an opportunity before tackling the shooter from behind as he was firing indiscriminately into the crowd. He grabbed the gunman's neck and, after a fierce struggle, succeeded in taking away the weapon.

After being disarmed, the gunman retreated from the scene, while Ahmed put down the gun, raised his hands, and signaled to the approaching police officers that he was not the perpetrator. During this process, he sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and hand and was transported to the hospital for surgery. He is currently reported to be recovering. Ahmed, a father of two, is an ordinary citizen who runs a fruit shop in the local community and is believed to be an immigrant of Arab or Middle Eastern descent. His brave actions quickly spread through social media, and people around the world praised him as a "true hero." Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, "Many Australians have run into danger to save the lives of others," and added, "Their courage saved countless lives."

Ahmed Al Ahmed restraining the gunman in the mass shooting in Sydney, Australia. SNS

Meanwhile, another shocking fact about this mass shooting has come to light. According to Reuters and other foreign media, a police investigation revealed that the two suspects were a father and son, aged 50 and 24, respectively. Prime Minister Albanese described the incident as a hate crime targeting the Jewish community and pledged to mobilize all necessary resources to respond.