Terrifying moment heroic civilian disarmed alleged shooter in Bondi Beach terror attack
The man has been hailed a hero for his brave actions as the gunman opened fire
A man branded a 'hero' has gone viral for his bravery as he disarmed one of the alleged shooters in the Bondi Beach terror attack.
At approximately 18.47pm local time today (Sunday, December 14), New South Wales police responded to reports of gunfire at the popular Australian beach where more than 1,000 people were celebrating the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah.
Cops have now confirmed 12 people have died, including one alleged gunman. Another suspect remains in critical condition while dozens more, at least 29 at the time of writing, including a child and two officers, have been taken to hospital for treatment.
The horrific incident in Sydney has since been declared a terrorist attack and now stands as the deadliest shooting in the country since the Port Arthur massacre in 1996.
Advert
Now, social media is flooded with footage of the incident from witnesses and bystanders, including terrifying moments the suspected shooters took cover from a bridge leading to the beach to open fire at civilians.
Other footage shows how panic broke out, with hundreds fleeing from the scene and the vicinity.
Meanwhile, another viral clip shows one civilian appearing to take matters into his own hands, who has since been applauded around the world for his courageous quick-thinking act that may have saved countless innocent lives.
The incredible footage shows the man, wearing a light t-shirt and black trousers, crouching behind a parked car while the alleged suspect could be seen shooting his firearm with his back turned.
Seconds later, the brave bystander is seen creeping behind the suspect before jumping up to throw his arms around him, where he grappled him to the floor in the incredibly heroic attempt to disarm him.
There's a tense moment as the shooter still appears in possession of the weapon until the civilian manages to wrestle it free.
As the suspect scrambles to his feet, the bystander is seen pointing the weapon at the suspect as he promptly retreats. The hero then gently places the weapon down against a tree where he proceeds to take cover.
While the sound of gunshots could be heard ringing out in the background throughout, the video then pans to the other suspect, apparently still firing at people from the vantage point on the bridge.
As it does, it captures what appears to be another bystander running into frame to throw an object at the now disarmed and retreating shooter.
The second shooter also appears to be returning fire somewhere before a flying bullet hits the side of the bridge near his position.
The footage then pans back to the two civilians, now crouched behind a tree. The man who threw the object could be seen reaching for the weapon before grabbing his wrist, apparently injured.
Cops then can be seen approaching the man on the bridge where they apparently go on to 'neutralise' the threat.
The man who disarmed the suspect has since been identified as father-of-two, Ahmed Al Ahmed, who reportedly owns a fruit shop.
His cousin, who spoke to 7News Australia, says the 43-year-old has no experience using a weapon and is in hospital receiving treatment for two gunshot wounds in his arm and shoulder.
Premier Chris Minns is one of many celebrating Ahmed, saying in a statement: "That man is a genuine hero, and I've got no doubt there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery."
In an update, cops also confirmed a bomb disposal unit has been deployed after discovering a vehicle which may contain several improvised explosives.
Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a news briefing: "An act of evil antisemitism, terrorism that has struck the heart of our nation."
Albanese said the attack on the Jewish community took place on a day that should have been a 'day of joy,' adding that there's no place for this 'vile act of violence and hate'.
Topics: Australia, Gun Crime, World News, Terrorism, Crime
Liv Bridge