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Australia Hero Says He Risked Life to Save Innocent Lives

By The South Asia Times

SYDNEY - Ahmed Al Ahmed, the man hailed as a hero after the deadly Bondi Beach terrorist attack, has opened up about his extraordinary courage and determination to protect innocent people, according to ABC News.

The father-of-two went viral after footage captured him sneaking up behind one of the gunmen and wresting a long-barrelled firearm away from him, actions that likely saved countless lives during the December 14 attack at the Chanukah by the Sea celebration in Archer Park, which claimed 15 lives.

In an interview with CBS News, Mr Al Ahmed described the moment he confronted the shooter. “I jumped onto his back and hit him… ‘Drop your gun, stop doing what you’re doing,’” he recalled. “No, I didn’t worry about anything… my target was just to take the gun from him and to stop him from killing a human being. My soul asked me to do that.”

Mr Al Ahmed suffered multiple gunshot wounds during the confrontation and was treated at St George Hospital, where he underwent several operations. He was discharged on Sunday, a fortnight after the attack. His parents told the ABC that he was shot four to five times in his shoulder while disarming the attacker.

Australian leaders have praised his heroism. NSW Premier Chris Minns described him as a “real-life hero,” while Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Mr Al Ahmed in hospital, saying, “He decided to take action and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians.”

Back in his hometown of Al Nayrab in Syria, relatives expressed immense pride. “Ahmed is a brave and honourable young man. He cannot tolerate injustice or corruption. He rejects wrongdoing and meanness,” his uncle Wahid Al Ahmed told the ABC.

The public has also rallied around him, with over 43,000 people donating more than $2.5 million to a campaign in his honor, underscoring the global recognition of his courage.