Australia was sent into mourning after a deadly terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, the country’s popular tourist spot, on Sunday, left 16 dead and dozens injured. The attack took place during a Jewish
Hanukkah celebration with about 1,000 people in attendance when two gunmen, later identified as father and son, opened fire on people assembled at Bondi Beach, sending the crowds into an absolute pandemonium. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the attack an act of “pure evil” as horrifying videos of the shooting emerged across social media platforms. Amid the dastardly videos flooding social feeds, stories of resilience and Australia’s fightback began surfacing online.
It was, however, a man’s selfless and brave actions during the Sunday evening shooting that saved several lives, which were hailed unanimously.
“Bondi Beach Hero”
Ahmed Al Ahmed, clad in a white t-shirt, was captured on a phone camera sneaking up on one of the gunmen involved in the Bondi Beach shooting. Not only did he put his life on the line, but his actions left the gunman disarmed, thereby saving countless lives during his selfless pursuit.
Ahmed was seen pointing the gun back at the now-disarmed shooter as the shooter was seen ducking and backing away from the scene.
Shocking footage of how this HERO saved multiple lives today on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia 🙏🏻#bondibeach pic.twitter.com/ssH8A24uOp
— MAGA Kitty (@SaveUSAKitty) December 14, 2025
Dubbed as the “Bondi Beach Hero”, Ahmed was left injured during his incredible act of bravery, and the Australian PM paid him a visit at St George Hospital.
“Ahmed, you are an Australian hero. You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger on Bondi Beach and disarming a terrorist. In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians. And that’s exactly what we saw on Sunday night. On behalf of every Australian, I say thank you,” Albanese wrote on X.
Ahmed, you are an Australian hero.
You put yourself at risk to save others, running towards danger on Bondi Beach and disarming a terrorist.
In the worst of times, we see the best of Australians. And that's exactly what we saw on Sunday night.
On behalf of every Australian, I… pic.twitter.com/mAoObU3TZD
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) December 16, 2025
Ahmed, recovering in the hospital, sent out a heartfelt message to his well-wishers.
“I’ve gone through a phase only Allah knows about. Upon the heads of Ahmed and Abdullah and Alaa and Bilal…may God grant you a thousand worshipers. My precious and beloved one…please pray for me, make duaa for me. May Allah grant…a long life…may God keep…alive. God bless you all. Please forgive me and pray for me so I can heal, recover, and leave the hospital,” Ahmed said in a message from the hospital.
GoFundMe For Hero And Reactions
Ahmed’s brave act of putting himself in the direct line of danger prompted a “thank you” GoFundMe campaign that has now raised over $2 million in nearly 36K donations.
“In a moment of chaos and danger, Ahmed al-Ahmed stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety. Early reports indicate he was shot twice in the process while protecting others,” the description read on the GoFundMe page raising funds for Ahmed.
“This GoFundMe has been created to show our gratitude and support for someone who demonstrated incredible courage when it mattered most. No one expects to be a hero, but when the moment came, he was. Any contribution, big or small, is a powerful way to say thank you.”
(GoFundMe)
“father of 2 – unbelievable, each time I’m losing faith in humanity, hero like him returns it 🙂 (sic),” a user, reacting to the hero on Reddit’s r/MadeMeSmile Subreddit, wrote.
“And this guy would not hesitate to step in again to help someone out. We are forever grateful for your courage.”
“1 of the reasons why I’m proud to be Australian. I had to donate because I could never in a thousand years imagine what it’s like to have ba**s so big.”
Calls for awarding Ahmed with the Cross of Valour, the highest award for bravery, grew in chorus on social media.
“The Cross of Valor is awarded to Australian civilians for “acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril”. In 50 years, only 5 have ever been awarded. I believe Ahmed should receive the 6th (sic),” X user @I_am_da_BOM wrote.
Blood Donation Queues
Not only did the Aussies send their love and flowers towards Ahmed’s way, but they were also seen queuing up to donate blood for those injured in the horrifying terror attack.
“A huge queue is growing outside Lifeblood Town Hall as Sydneysiders donate blood in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack. O-negative and O-positive blood types are particularly low, with anyone able to give blood urged to book an appointment by calling 13 14 95 or using the Lifeblood app,” @7NewsMelbourne reported.
A huge queue is growing outside Lifeblood Town Hall as Sydneysiders donate blood in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack. O-negative and O-positive blood types are particularly low, with anyone able to give blood urged to book an appointment by calling 13 14 95 or using the… pic.twitter.com/Po3dvdCxHA
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) December 15, 2025
The Piercing Headline
This is how the MEDIA should address these people "THE BASTARDS."
Well Done Australian Media you got my respect. #bondibeach pic.twitter.com/XZrZiP6vlo
— Kumar AV (@kav768884) December 15, 2025
A piercing headline ran the front page of Australia’s The Daily Telegraph’s Monday edition read: “You Ba****s”.
