Over $1 million raised for 'hero' bystander who tackled alleged Bondi Beach gunman during terror attack
An incredible $1 million has been raised for the hero bystander who tackled one of the alleged gunmen during the Bondi Beach terror attack.
At least 15 people have tragically died and dozens more have been injured as two gunmen opened fire on families gathered on Syndey's Bondi Beach on Sunday (December 14) in what is now being declared a terrorist incident.
The horrific attack unfolded as more than 1,000 Jewish people came together to celebrate Hannukah.
A 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, a British Rabbi, a retired New South Wales police officer and a French national are among the victims who have been named so far.
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The suspected gunmen, who stand accused of launching the deadliest attack on Australian soil in three decades, have since been identified as a father-and-son duo, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed, 24.
While Sajid was declared dead at the scene, Naveed is reportedly in critical condition in hospital.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has since claimed the pair were acting alone and were not part of a wider cell, though they were 'clearly' motivated by extremism.
Despite the tragedy, Australia and the rest of the world have been eagerly awaiting to find out if an innocent civilian who took matters into his own hands by managing to disarm one of the gunmen amid the killing spree has recovered from his injuries.
Ahmad Al Ahmed's heroic actions touched the world as he could be seen in a clip that has since gone viral, putting his own life at risk as he tackled the gunman.
Ahmed, who moved to Australia from Syria in 2006, was first spotted crouching down behind parked cars while the suspected shooter was spraying bullets with his back turned.
As screams could be heard ringing out in the nail-biting moment, Ahmed then jumped out from behind the cars and onto the back of the suspect, where he wrestled him in a tense tussle over the rifle.
Fortunately, Ahmed managed to seize the weapon, which he proceeded to point at the suspect.
The father-of-two has since been praised for his incredible act of courage, which probably saved countless more lives as people fled the beach.
A fundraiser for the 43-year-old Sydney fruit shop owner has since raised more than $1 million, and is inching closer to far surpassing that amount as the minutes go by.
Billionaire Bill Ackman, CEO and founder of hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, is said to have donated $99,000 in the GoFundMe.
The GoFundMe set up to 'show our gratitude and support' for the father reads: "After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act.
"In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety. Early reports indicate he was shot twice in the process while protecting others."
Ahmed's family has confirmed he was injured in the attack, sustaining gunshot wounds to his arm and hand, though fortunately, he appears to be on the mend.
His cousin, Mustafa, told 7News Australia: "He is a hero, 100 percent he is a hero. He has two shots, one in his arm and one in his hand."
In an update today, he added: "I hope he will be fine. I saw him last night. He was alright but we're waiting to see what the doctor (says)."
His father added: "When he did what he did, he wasn't thinking about the background of the people he's saving, the people dying in the street. He doesn't discriminate between one nationality and another. Especially here in Australia, there's no difference between one citizen and another."
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has also visited Ahmed in hospital, writing on Twitter: "Ahmed is a real-life hero. Last night, his incredible bravery no doubt saved countless lives when he disarmed a terrorist at enormous personal risk.
"It was an honour to spend time with him just now and to pass on the thanks of people across NSW.
"There is no doubt that more lives would have been lost if not for Ahmed’s selfless courage."
Donations can be made to the GoFundMe here.
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