More than $2.5 million has been raised for the bystander who heroically tackled one of the alleged gunmen during the Bondi Beach terror attack.
Ahmed Al Ahmed is currently recovering in hospital after sustaining injuries while disarming a suspected attacker.
At least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured when two gunmen opened fire on crowds at Sydney’s Bondi Beach on Sunday, December 14.
The attack unfolded as more than 1,000 Jewish people had gathered to celebrate Hanukkah.
Among those killed were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, a British rabbi, a retired New South Wales police officer, and a French national.
What happened during the Bondi Beach attack
Authorities have identified the suspected gunmen as a father-and-son duo, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24.
The pair are accused of carrying out the deadliest attack on Australian soil in three decades.
Sajid Akram was declared dead at the scene, while Naveed remains in critical condition in hospital.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the pair acted alone and were not part of a wider terror cell.
However, he confirmed they were “clearly” motivated by extremism.
Ahmed Al Ahmed’s heroic intervention
As chaos erupted on the beach, Ahmed Al Ahmed took extraordinary action that likely saved countless lives.
Footage that later went viral shows Ahmed crouching behind parked cars as one gunman fired into the crowd.
With screams echoing around him, Ahmed jumped from cover and tackled the suspect from behind.
He wrestled with the attacker during a tense struggle over the rifle.
Ahmed eventually seized the weapon and pointed it at the suspect, stopping further shots.
The father-of-two, who moved from Syria to Australia in 2006, runs a fruit shop in Sydney.
His bravery has been praised across Australia and around the world.
Fundraiser smashes $2.5 million milestone
A GoFundMe set up to support Ahmed has now raised more than $2.5 million.
The total continues to climb rapidly as donations pour in.
Billionaire hedge fund boss Bill Ackman reportedly donated $99,000 to the fundraiser.
The page states it was created to “show our gratitude and support” for Ahmed’s selfless actions.
It adds that he stepped forward “without hesitation” during a moment of extreme danger.
Early reports indicate Ahmed was shot twice while protecting others.
Family confirms Ahmed’s injuries and recovery
Ahmed’s family confirmed he was injured during the attack.
He sustained gunshot wounds to his arm and hand.
His cousin Mustafa told 7News Australia that Ahmed is recovering.
“He is a hero, 100 percent he is a hero,” Mustafa said.
“He was shot once in his arm and once in his hand.”
In a later update, Mustafa said doctors were continuing to monitor his condition.
“I hope he will be fine,” he added.
‘He doesn’t discriminate’: family and leaders praise heroism
Ahmed’s father said his son acted without thinking about who he was saving.
“He doesn’t discriminate between nationalities,” he said.
“In Australia, there’s no difference between one citizen and another.”
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns visited Ahmed in hospital following the attack.
Minns described him as a “real-life hero” whose bravery saved lives.
“There is no doubt more lives would have been lost without Ahmed’s selfless courage,” he wrote.
The overwhelming support reflects how deeply Ahmed’s actions have resonated worldwide.
Donations can be made to the GoFundMe here.
Featured Image Credit: YouTube/7NEWS Australia
