Dramatic footage of the deadly attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach has gone viral, showing a bystander risking his life to disarm one of the shooters and potentially save several lives.
Australian news portal News.com.au identified the man as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, a Sydney resident who owns a fruit shop in Sutherland. In the widely circulated video, Ahmed can be seen confronting a gunman who was hiding behind a tree and bravely snatching the weapon from his hands.
According to media reports, Ahmed was unarmed and was shot twice while attempting to overpower the attacker. He is currently undergoing treatment in hospital and may require surgery. Another viral clip shows Ahmed wearing a white T-shirt, severely injured and bloodied in the aftermath of the incident.
First victim identified
Meanwhile, the first victim of Sunday’s attack has been identified as Rabbi Eli Schlanger, a Chabad emissary. His death was confirmed by his friend Eliezer Tewel in a Facebook post that paid a moving tribute to the rabbi’s life and work.
“Rabbi Eli Schlanger was murdered at the Bondi Beach terror attack while celebrating Hanukkah,” Tewel wrote. “He wasn’t some distant figure. He was the one staying up late planning the logistics for a Menorah lighting that most people take for granted—worrying about the weather, making sure there were enough latkes, and that the kids weren’t bored. He was simply doing his job: showing up and being a constant, reliable presence for his community.”
Condemnation pours in
The Australian National Imams Council (ANIC), one of the country’s leading Islamic organisations, strongly condemned the violence.
“The Australian National Imams Council, the Council of Imams NSW, and the Australian Muslim community unequivocally condemn the horrific shootings in Bondi,” the organisation said in a statement.
“These acts of violence and crimes have no place in our society. Those responsible must be held fully accountable and face the full force of the law.”
Suspect identified
Australian authorities have identified Pakistani-origin Naveed Akram as one of the gunmen involved in the attack, according to media reports. A senior law enforcement official told ABC News that police raided Akram’s residence in the Sydney suburb of Bonnyrigg on Sunday evening as part of the investigation.
The New South Wales (NSW) Police Force said at least 10 people, including one of the attackers, were killed in the assault, which occurred while members of the Jewish community had gathered at the iconic beach to observe the festival of Hanukkah. Eleven others were injured.
Some Australian media outlets have reported a higher death toll of 12, though authorities have not confirmed those figures. The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation.
“A number of suspicious items located in the vicinity are being examined by specialist officers, and an exclusion zone remains in place,” police said, adding that an extensive crime scene has been established and investigations are ongoing.
According to reports, authorities have declared the incident a terror attack. The condition of the injured gunman is said to be critical.
