A bystander who confronted and disarmed one of the gunmen during the deadly attack at Bondi Beach is being widely praised for his actions, which officials say helped save lives.
Television footage and videos shared on social media show an unarmed man approaching a suspected shooter from behind. The civilian grabs the man around the neck, wrestles the long gun away, and the shooter falls to the ground. After taking control of the weapon, the bystander points it back at the alleged attacker and raises his hand, apparently to signal others that the threat had been contained.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns described the scene as the most unbelievable he had ever seen and called the man a genuine hero, saying his willingness to put himself at risk likely saved many lives.
Several outlets have identified the bystander as 43-year-old Ahmed al Ahmed, a fruit shop owner; NPR has not independently verified that identification. A relative told Australia’s 7News that Ahmed was shot twice and is receiving hospital treatment.
Authorities say gunmen opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens more; at least 42 people have been hospitalized. Other eyewitness videos appear to show two shooters firing long guns from a footbridge that leads to the beach.
Investigations and emergency response efforts are ongoing as officials work to confirm details and identify those involved.