“He saw they were dying and people were losing their lives, and when that guy ran out of ammo, he took it from him, but he was hit. We pray that God saves him.”
Al-Ahmed moved to Australia over a decade ago on a student visa and was granted citizenship in 2022. He now runs a tobacconist and convenience store in Sutherland and is known locally as a devoted family man.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also praised those who ran toward danger: “Australians who ran towards danger in order to help others are heroes.”
NSW Premier Chris Minns called Al-Ahmed a “genuine hero” who undoubtedly saved lives, while US President Donald Trump added:
“In Australia, as you’ve probably read, there’s been a very, very brave person who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters. He saved a lot of lives, a very brave person who is right now in the hospital, pretty seriously wounded. I have great respect for the man who did that.”
Al-Ahmed’s GoFundMe campaign has now raised over $2 million, including a $100,000 donation from billionaire Bill Ackman. The funds will support his recovery and help care for his young daughters, aged six and seven, as their father fights to heal.
