'Hero' who wrestled gun from Bondi Beach shooter was a Syrian cop before moving to Australia

New details have now emerged about Ahmed Al Ahmed, the man whose split-second intervention helped save countless lives.

Relatives have revealed that Al Ahmed, 44, previously served as a police officer and member of Syria’s central security forces before migrating to Australia nearly two decades ago.

Coffee meeting turns into life-or-death moment

Al Ahmed had gone to Bondi Beach on Sunday evening to meet a friend for coffee when chaos erupted.

Two attackers, identified as Sajid Akram and his son Naveed Akram, opened fire on a Jewish religious gathering marking the first day of Hanukkah.

In a video that has since gone viral, Al Ahmed is seen taking cover between parked cars before lunging at one of the gunmen from behind.

He wrestled the firearm from the attacker and briefly pointed it back at him.

During the confrontation, Al Ahmed was shot multiple times but managed to disrupt the assault at a critical moment.

Early life in Syria

According to his cousin Mohammad Al Ahmed, the Sydney resident grew up in Nayrab, a town in Syria’s Idlib province. He left the country in 2006, years before protests against President Bashar al-Assad spiralled into civil war.

News of his actions has reverberated back home.

Residents of Nayrab have hailed him as a hero, saying his instincts and training surfaced without hesitation as he acted to protect innocent lives.

Family speaks of pride and bravery

Al Ahmed’s parents relocated to Sydney earlier this year to live with their son. Speaking to Australian media, his father, Mohamed Fateh Al Ahmed, confirmed that Ahmed had served with Syrian police and security forces.

Expressing pride, he said his son had become “a hero of Australia.”

His mother, Malakeh Hasan Al Ahmed, said bravery had always defined him, describing him as someone who instinctively helped others in need.

Now settled in Sydney, Al Ahmed runs a tobacco shop and is the father of two young daughters aged three and six.

Long road to recovery ahead

Al Ahmed sustained up to five gunshot wounds, primarily to his left arm, reportedly fired by the second attacker from an elevated position.

He has undergone surgery and faces further medical procedures in the coming months.

Community groups supporting him say he remains conscious but weak, with doctors estimating a recovery period of at least six months.

Meanwhile, a crowdfunding campaign set up in his support has drawn an overwhelming response.

Donations from around 40,000 contributors have crossed 2.3 million Australian dollars, reflecting the scale of public gratitude for his actions.

Global praise for a quiet hero

Al Ahmed’s bravery has earned him international recognition.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited him in hospital, calling his actions inspiring and emblematic of Australia’s values.

Praise has also come from global leaders, including US President Donald Trump.

Terror attack shakes Australia

The Bondi Beach shooting claimed 15 lives after Sajid Akram and his son opened fire on the gathering.

Sajid was killed during a police response, while Naveed, injured in the attack, was arrested.

The 24-year-old now faces dozens of charges, including multiple counts of murder.

Authorities have classified the incident as a terror attack, sparking renewed debate over gun laws and security in Australia.

The tragedy has also left Australia’s Jewish community shaken, with many voicing fear and anger in the aftermath.