World
Man who disarmed Sydney Bondi Beach attacker identified 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed
Authorities have identified the civilian who intervened during the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney as Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, whose actions are being widely credited with preventing further loss of life.
Police confirmed that Al Ahmed confronted and disarmed one of the attackers during the chaos, despite being shot twice in the process.
He was transported to a hospital for treatment and is expected to recover, officials said.
The intervention occurred amid a mass shooting during a “Chanukah by the Sea” Hanukkah event on Sunday evening, which authorities are investigating as a suspected terror attack.
According to NSW Police, two gunmen opened fire on the crowded beachfront gathering shortly after 6:40 p.m., triggering panic as hundreds of attendees fled the area.
Officials report that dozens of shots were fired.
Video footage reviewed by investigators appears to show two individuals dressed in black firing what looked like shotgun-style weapons from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club.
Police later confirmed that at least 10 people were killed, with some briefings citing up to 12 fatalities as victim identification continues.
More than 11 people were injured, several critically. One suspect was killed at the scene, and another remains hospitalized in critical condition.
One of the suspected attackers has been identified as Naveed Akram, 24, as investigators work to determine motive and whether the attack was coordinated with others.
Authorities have described the incident as an antisemitic assault targeting a religious celebration.
The attack drew swift condemnation and expressions of condolence from leaders in Australia and abroad.
International reaction included criticism of the timing of an earlier social media post by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had shared Hanukkah greetings shortly before news of the attack broke; he later issued condolences.
Australian officials and Israel’s president publicly mourned the victims and praised the bravery of first responders and civilians who acted to protect others.
Police have increased security measures across Sydney and continue to urge the public to avoid the immediate area while the investigation remains active.
Further updates are expected as authorities release confirmed casualty figures and additional details regarding the suspects and circumstances of the attack.
Indian police confirmed Tuesday that Sajid Akram, one of the two gunmen responsible for Sunday’s deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, was an Indian citizen who emigrated from India nearly three decades ago.
Akram and his son, Naveed Akram, allegedly opened fire on attendees at the “Chanukah by the Sea” celebration, killing 15 people and injuring several others.
In a statement, police in India’s southern state of Telangana said Sajid Akram was originally from Hyderabad and migrated to Australia in November 1998 in search of employment.
“Based on information available from family members in India, Sajid Akram maintained minimal contact with his relatives in Hyderabad over the past 27 years,” the statement said.
Authorities noted that Akram returned to India on six occasions following his migration, primarily for family-related matters such as property issues and visits to elderly parents.
Police added that he did not return to India even at the time of his father’s death.
Indian officials emphasized that there were no adverse records or criminal history associated with Akram during his time in India.
Family members told investigators they were unaware of any extremist views, radical activity, or behaviors that might have suggested violent tendencies.
“The factors that led to the radicalisation of Sajid Akram and his son appear to have no connection with India or any local influence in Telangana,” the police statement said.
Australian immigration records list Naveed Akram, 24, as an Australian citizen, according to authorities.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as an act of terrorism and stated that investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology, with the intent of instilling fear within Australia’s Jewish community.
He announced plans to pursue stronger gun control measures, noting that the older suspect legally possessed a firearms license for recreational hunting.
Authorities and community leaders have begun publicly identifying victims of the attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration meant to mark the beginning of the Jewish holiday.
Those confirmed deceased include religious leaders, community volunteers, elderly residents, a retired police officer, a young immigrant, and a child.
Among the victims identified so far are:
- Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, assistant rabbi of Chabad of Bondi
- Rabbi Yaakov Halevi Levitin, 53, Chabad emissary and Sydney Beth Din secretary
- Alex Kleytman, 87, a Ukrainian Holocaust survivor
- Dan Elkayam, 27, a recent immigrant from France
- Reuven Morrison, 62, who reportedly attempted to confront the attackers unarmed
- Matilda Britvan, 10, who attended the event with her family
- Tibor Weitzen, 78, remembered for protecting others
- Peter Meagher, 61, a retired police officer and volunteer photographer
- Marika Pogany, 82, a longtime community volunteer
- Boris Gurman, 69, and Sofia Gurman, 61, a married couple who reportedly attempted to disarm one of the attackers, actions believed to have saved lives
Officials said additional victim names may be released as the investigation continues and families are formally notified.
Police identified the alleged attackers as Sajid Akram, who was killed at the scene, and his son Naveed Akram, who remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.
Video circulating online appears to show two men dressed in dark clothing firing long guns from an elevated footbridge behind the surf club as crowds fled in panic.
This remains an active and developing investigation. Authorities in Australia and India continue to coordinate as officials seek to fully understand the circumstances surrounding the attack and its radicalization pathway.
May the victims’ memories be honored and their families supported during this time of profound loss.