A bystander who wrestled a gun from one of the alleged attackers during a mass shooting at Bondi Beach has been identified as Ahmed al Ahmed, whose refugee parents had just arrived from Syria, according to Australian officials and media.

Ahmed, a 43-year-old father to two girls, risked his life by tackling an alleged shooter and seizing the gun during Sunday’s attack, prompting a wave of donations from members of the public to support him and his family.

He was later shot by one of the two gunmen, a father and son duo whose beachside rampage targeting a Jewish gathering and beach-goers killed at least 15 people and wounded dozens of others.

Dramatic footage of the confrontation, which has been viewed millions of times on social media, showed Ahmed crouching behind a car, then launching himself from the gunman who had just fired his weapon. Sirens wailed and gunshots rang out as the two men grappled for several seconds, before Ahmed wrenched the gun from the attacker’s hands.

Ahmed then pointed the weapon at the attacker, who retreated.
Thousands of people have so far donated more than 1.4 million Australian dollars (around $930,000) to a GoFundMe page set up to support Ahmed “through recovery” and to “honour this absolute hero,” according to the crowdfunding platform.

“It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW. There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage. Thank you, Ahmed”

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More than $900,000 donated to GoFundMe page in support of "hero" bystander

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More than $900,000 donated to GoFundMe page in support of "hero" bystander

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