JAKARTA - Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner and Syrian migrant originally from Idlib, disarmed one of two gunmen during a terror attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025. The attack happened during a Hanukkah celebration with around 1,000 people, killing at least 15 civilians and injuring over 40.

A viral video, which has been verified by the BBC, shows al-Ahmed crouching behind a car before charging one of the shooters from behind, wrestling away his rifle, and pointing it at the attacker who ran toward a bridge. During the fight, a second gunman shot him twice, once in the arm and once in the hand. He had surgery and doctors expect him to recover. 

His cousin Mustafa told Al Araby Television Network that Ahmed is Muslim and from Idlib, Syria, and has no firearms training. Ahmed later said that God gave him courage to act.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called what happened the most unbelievable scene he had ever seen and said al-Ahmed saved many lives. International leaders from many countries, including Singapore’s prime minister, have issued condolences and denounced the attack.

Police confirmed two attackers, a father and son. Officers killed the 50-year-old father, while the 24-year-old son remains in critical condition.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the shooting as pure evil, terror, and antisemitism. He added that stricter gun laws will be discussed at a national cabinet meeting later today, including limits on how many firearms a person can own and regular reviews of gun licences.

Jakarta said it is closely monitoring the shooting but has received no reports of Indonesian citizens among the victims so far. Similarly, the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney has not yet confirmed any Filipino casualties or injuries.