A “hero” bystander who was filmed fighting a gun belonging to one of the Bondi Beach attackers has been identified as Ahmed al Ahmed, 43.
Video verified by the BBC showed Mr Ahmed running towards the gunman and grabbing his gun, before pointing it at him, forcing him to retreat.
Ahmed, a fruit shop owner and father of two, remains in hospital, where he underwent surgery for gunshot wounds to his arm and hand, his family told 7News Australia.
Eleven people were killed in the shooting Sunday night, as more than 1,000 people attended an event to celebrate Hanukkah. Police have since declared the attack a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community.
Ahmed’s cousin Mustafa told 7News Australia: “He’s still in hospital and we don’t know exactly what’s going on, the doctor says he’s fine.
“We hope he is okay, he is a hero, 100% he is a hero. He has been shot twice, one in the arm and another in the hand, he had to undergo surgery.”
Two armed men are believed to have carried out the attack, and police are investigating whether other people were involved. One of the gunmen died and the second was in “critical condition,” police said.
Footage of Mr Ahmed’s intervention has been widely shared online.
It shows one of the gunmen standing behind a palm tree near a small pedestrian bridge, aiming and firing his gun at an out-of-range target.
Mr Ahmed, who was hiding behind a parked car, is seen jumping towards the attacker, whom he attacks.
He manages to wrestle the gun away from the attacker, pushes him to the ground and points the gun at him. The attacker retreats.
He then lowers the gun and raises one hand in the air, appearing to show the police that he was not one of the shooters.
Near the bridge, another gunman continues shooting. It is not clear who or what it is targeting.
At a news conference late on Sunday, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns paid tribute to the bravery of Ahmed, whose name was not revealed at the time.
“That man is a genuine hero, and I have no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said: “Today we have seen Australians run into danger to help others.
“These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives.”
