Bondi Beach Hero Receives Worldwide Support After Deadly Attack

An outpouring of global support has propelled a fundraising campaign for Ahmed al Ahmed, the man hailed as a hero for disarming a gunman during the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack, to more than $1 million, as Australia continues to mourn the victims of one of the worst mass shootings in the country’s history.

The fundraising effort, launched through GoFundMe to support al Ahmed’s recovery and future, had surpassed $1.2 million at the time of writing and is aiming to reach $1.7 million.

Thousands of donors from around the world have contributed, including one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, who donated $99,999 to the campaign.

The donations follow the violent attack on December 14, when a father and son opened fire on crowds gathered for a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.

Authorities confirmed that 15 people were killed, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 87, while several others were seriously injured. Officials said the incident was a terrorist attack motivated by extremist ideology.

Amid the chaos, al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner, confronted one of the attackers and wrestled a firearm from him, an act authorities and witnesses believe prevented further bloodshed.

Video footage circulating online showed al Ahmed creeping between parked cars before surprising the gunman and overpowering him.

Al Ahmed was shot in the arm during the confrontation and remains hospitalized, though family members say he is expected to recover.

His cousin Jozay Alkanj described the moment he learned of al Ahmed’s resolve during the attack. “He said ‘I’m going to die, please see my family and tell them that I went down to save people’s lives’,” Alkanj told the Sydney Morning Herald.

Al Ahmed’s father later said his son was now in “good spirits” and grateful he was able to help others. “He said he thanks God that he was able to do this, to help innocent people and to save people from these monsters, these killers,” he said.

Political leaders also paid tribute to al Ahmed’s actions. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who visited him in hospital, described him as a “real-life hero” and said his bravery changed the course of the tragedy.

“There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage,” Minns said.

International recognition followed as well. U.S. President Donald Trump praised al Ahmed’s intervention, commending him on his bravery.

“A very brave person actually who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives. A very brave person who is right now in the hospital and seriously wounded,” Trump said. “Great respect to the man who did that.”

The fundraiser gained further momentum after Bill Ackman, a Jewish investment banker with a net worth estimated at more than $9.5 billion, publicly called for financial support for al Ahmed and his family.

“Can someone please set up a verified so we can reward him and his family,” Ackman wrote on social media before making his substantial donation.

The GoFundMe page described al Ahmed’s actions as instinctive and selfless.

“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,” the page read. “In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation.”

Authorities identified the attackers as 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who died at the scene, and his 24-year-old son Naveed, who was taken to hospital in critical condition.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the pair were acting alone and were “clearly” motivated by extremist ideology, adding that investigators discovered “a range of IEDs” inside their vehicle.

Albanese also announced that the tragedy would prompt further national discussions on gun policy. Speaking at a press conference, he said a national Cabinet meeting would consider the possibility of stricter gun laws, following reports that the elder attacker was able to legally obtain multiple firearms.

As investigations continue, the story of Ahmed al Ahmed has come to symbolize courage amid terror. For many Australians and supporters worldwide, the swelling donations represent not just financial assistance, but collective gratitude for a man whose split-second decision may have saved countless lives.