Australian Immigrant Who Tackled Gunman “Riddled with Bullets” But Would “Do It Again,” Lawyer Says

A Syrian-Australian immigrant who courageously disarmed one of the gunmen during Sunday’s deadly antisemitic terror attack in Australia has expressed no regrets despite sustaining serious injuries, according to his lawyer.

Ahmed al Ahmed, 44, who became an Australian citizen in 2022 after immigrating from Syria in 2006, is now recovering in hospital from multiple gunshot wounds after his heroic intervention during the attack that claimed at least 15 lives.

“He doesn’t regret what he did. He said he’d do it again. But the pain has started to take a toll on him,” Sam Issa, Al Ahmed’s migration lawyer, told The Sydney Morning Herald after visiting his client on Monday night. “He’s not well at all. He’s riddled with bullets. Our hero is struggling at the moment.”

The Muslim father of two young daughters, ages five and six, acted instinctively during the violence that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has characterized as “an act of pure evil,” “antisemitism,” and “terrorism” deliberately targeting the Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah.

According to Issa, Al Ahmed’s actions reflect his deep gratitude toward his adopted homeland. “Ahmed’s a humble man, he’s not interested in coverage, he just did what he was compelled to do as a human being on that day,” Issa explained. “He gets that gratitude from being in Australia. This is his way of conveying his gratitude for staying in Australia, for being granted citizenship.”

The attack has sent shockwaves through Australia’s Jewish community and raised concerns about rising antisemitism in the country. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visited Al Ahmed in the hospital, highlighting the government’s recognition of his bravery during one of Australia’s worst terrorist incidents in recent memory.

“He has really appreciated this community, and he felt that as a member of the community, he had to act that way and contribute,” Issa added, emphasizing Al Ahmed’s sense of civic duty that prompted his intervention.

The Bondi Beach area attack has sparked intense debate about security measures for Jewish institutions in Australia. Jewish community leaders have expressed frustration, with some claiming they had previously warned officials about security concerns amid escalating antisemitic sentiment globally.

This incident follows a troubling pattern of increased antisemitic violence worldwide since the October 2023 Hamas attacks in Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. Australia has seen a significant rise in reported antisemitic incidents over the past year, according to community monitoring groups.

Security has been heightened at synagogues and Jewish community centers across Australia in response to the attack. Prime Minister Albanese has condemned the violence in the strongest terms and pledged additional resources to protect vulnerable communities.

The timing of the attack, coinciding with the beginning of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah, has particularly disturbed community leaders who see it as deliberately symbolic. In response, many interfaith groups across Australia have organized solidarity gatherings to stand with the Jewish community.

Al Ahmed’s actions have been widely praised as an example of courage and community spirit that transcends religious and cultural differences. His intervention, despite the severe personal cost, has become a rare point of unity in the wake of a devastating attack.

Australian authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances of the incident, including any potential broader networks connected to the attackers. Meanwhile, the country mourns the victims while reflecting on the heroism of individuals like Al Ahmed who risked everything to save others during the horrific event.