Bondi hero recounts confronting gunman
A tobacconist who went viral for his extraordinary bravery wrestling one of the Bondi Beach gunmen has spoken out for the first time about his instinctive actions.
Source: CBS News
Sitting down with an American news network after being released from St George Hospital following surgery for gunshot wounds, Ahmed al-Ahmed said he still mourned for those killed.
Fifteen people were killed when Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed allegedly shot at a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach on December 14 in a terror attack inspired by Islamic State.
“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,” the 43-year-old told CBS News in an interview that aired on Monday (Australian time).
“I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost.”
His courage earned him praise across the world for stopping more people from being killed as he batted away fears of being struck down by Naveed Akram, who was perched on a bridge.
Hailed by world leaders including US President Donald Trump and the King, the Syrian-Australian man lunged at Sajid Akram, wrestled the long rifle from him and then pointed it at the terrorist as he cowered away.
“I jumped on his back, hit him. I hold him with my right hand and start saying a word, you know, like to warn him, drop your gun, stop doing what you’re doing, and it’s come all fast,” he said of the brief struggle.
Al-Ahmed was shot twice during the attack and has since had five surgeries.
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Last week, he was handed a cheque of $2.5 million for his heroism, after an online fundraising campaign got more than 43,000 donations from around the world.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Christmas Eve that several heroes of the Bondi massacre will be honoured with a special award for their bravery. They range from first-responders to ordinary citizens, including al-Ahmed.
“At the worst of times … we see the best of the Australian character,” he said.
Al-Ahmed’s cousin had previously said the pair were supposed to go to another beach near his home suburb of Sutherland in southern Sydney, but decided to head to Bondi in the east in a last-minute change.
-with AAP
