Bondi Hero Receives $2.5 Million in Donations, Explains Why He Put His Life on the Line

More than 43,000 people across the globe have raised $2.5 million to thank Ahmed Al Ahmed, who wrestled a gun from one of the gunmen during the mass shooting.

NSW Premier Chris Minns meeting Ahmed Al Ahmed, the hero shop owner who disarmed one of the Bondi gunmen, at his bedside on Dec. 16th, 2025. Supplied by NSW Premier Chris Minns

Ahmed Al Ahmed, one of the celebrated heroes of the Dec. 14 Bondi Beach terror attack, has spoken publicly after learning Australians and supporters around the world had donated $2.5 million to him in recognition of his bravery.

Al Ahmed was captured on CCTV wrestling a gun off one of the shooters, taking several bullets in the process from the second shooter.

His act of bravery prompted an outpouring of support almost overnight, with praise coming from world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and public figures such as Justin Bieber.

Al Ahmed is still in hospital where he is recovering from a number of surgeries, but remains upbeat despite his injuries.

When hearing the news of the donation, which included gifts from 43,000 people around the world, he appeared visibly moved.

“I deserve it?” he asked, before adding: “Thank you very much.”

“To stand with each other, all human beings,” Ahmed said, raising his fist in an encouraging gesture from his hospital bed.

“And forgive everything back in the past and keep going to save life.

He said his actions were instinctive.

“When I save the people, I do it from my heart.”

“It was a nice day. Everyone enjoying celebrating with their kids, woman, man, teenager. Everyone was happy, and they deserve to enjoy. It’s their right.”

Despite his injuries, Al Ahmed is still as patriotic as ever.

“This country is the best country in the world,” he said.

“Enough is enough. God protect Australia. Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!”

In a screenshot taken from an ABC News 24 livestream video on Dec. 15, 2025, Ahmed Al Ahmed (white shirt) seizes a gun from one of the shooters at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 14, 2025. AAP Image/Supplied, ABC News

Father Proud of Al Ahmed’s Actions

Al Ahmed’s parents, who arrived from Syria just a few months ago, said he was shot four or five times in the shoulder during his effort to disarm one of the attackers.

“What happened is his friend told him, ‘Let’s go have coffee at Bondi,’” his father, Mohamed Fateh al Ahmed, recalled.

“They got there and were shocked to see armed men firing their weapons at terrorists. Their lives were in danger.

“He noticed one of the armed men at a distance from him, hiding behind a tree.

“My son is a hero.

“When he saw people lying on the ground and blood everywhere, immediately, his interests and his soul compelled him to pounce on one of the terrorists and to rid him of his weapon.”

Mohamed said he felt pride and honour that his son had been named a hero of Australia.

Al Ahmed has been visited by a number of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns.

“His incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk,” Minns said on X.