Bondi shooting hero gets $2.5 million in donations and global praise for risking everything to stop the attacker
Bondi hero Ahmed al Ahmed has received A$2.5 million (£1.24 million) in community donations during his hospital recovery following surgery.
A video circulating widely on social media shows YouTuber Zachery Dereniowski visiting Ahmed in his hospital room to surprise him with the gift and celebrate his courage.
Ahmed became an international symbol of bravery after he stopped a deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach with his bare hands.
While panicked crowds fled the scene, Ahmed took cover behind parked cars before charging the gunman from behind, wresting the weapon from him and knocking him to the ground.
During the struggle, Ahmed was shot twice and had to undergo surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand.
As news of his heroism spread, the outpouring of support was immediate. In less than 24 hours, the public raised $2.5 million in donations to support his recovery.
To recognize his act of bravery, the Australian Prime Minister visited him in the hospital and praised him as “the strength of whole humanity” and “the best of our country.”
Online, people were just as emotional.
“This is absolutely incredible and well deserved,” one social media user wrote.
Another added, “We made the right person famous.”
A third said, “Ahmed risked his life for free, so he deserves every penny of that check.”
The attack at Bondi Beach left 15 people dead and dozens more injured, but many say Ahmed’s fearless intervention likely saved even more lives.
His story has struck a deep chord around the world, with countless people praising his instinctive courage and selfless actions in the face of danger.