A bystander tackled and wrestled a gun from one of the two alleged gunmen during the Bondi beach mass shooting in which at least 16 people were killed, footage shows.
Seven News reported the man was a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from the Sutherland Shire named Ahmed al-Ahmed.
Video of the scene shows the alleged gunman standing on a footpath between a grassy area and a parking lot, holding a long-barrelled weapon and firing into the distance.
The bystander, who is crouching behind a parked car, rushes towards the alleged gunman as he fires. He leaps on to him and wrestles the gun from his hands.
A man who said he was a family member of the heroic bystander was interviewed outside a major Sydney hospital where victims from the attack were being treated. He said Ahmed, the father of two young daughters, had been admitted after being shot twice in his upper arm and hand.
“I hope he will be fine. I saw him last night, he wasn’t alright, but we’re waiting to see what the doctor will decide,” the family member, named Mustafa, said on Monday morning, adding his relative was “in pain” and yet to be operated on.
“He’s a hero, absolutely. Because maybe he can lose his life to save other people. I hope everyone in Australia wish everything is good for Ahmed to get back to his family.”
The video from Sunday evening shows the alleged gunman falling to the ground before the bystander points the gun at him as the gunman backs away.
As the alleged gunman retreats, the bystander gently places the gun against a tree and puts his hand in the air.
At least 16 people were killed in the attack on a Hanukah celebration, including one of the shooters, police said. At least 40 people were taken to hospital.
Authorities declared the incident a terrorist attack.
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith,” the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said at a press conference on Sunday night.
“The evil that was unleashed at Bondi beach today is beyond comprehension and the trauma and loss that families are dealing with tonight is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare.
“Australians have had their lives cruelly stolen and many have been injured. Our first thoughts are with those in the terrible early hours of their grief.
“We are also thinking of everyone being treated for their injuries and many of whom are alive right now because of the courage and quick action of the NSW police and the first responders who rushed to their aid – as well as the courage of everyday Australians who, without hesitating, put themselves in danger in order to keep their fellow Australians safe.
“We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others. These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives.”
A separate video of the terror attack showed two men in black clothes crossing a bridge at the beach and firing. Multiple shots could be heard and people could be heard screaming.
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, told reporters on Sunday night: “This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see, and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney.”
Minns recognised the “extraordinary acts of personal courage and bravery from individuals in our community”.
“I think it’s worth remembering that in all of this evil, in all of this sadness, there are still wonderful, brave Australians prepared to risk their lives to help a complete stranger,” he said.
Minns said the “attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukah”.
“What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying, evil attack.
“I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday. It’s a responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period.”
