The Bondi Beach shop owner who wrestled a firearm from a gunman during Sydney's deadly attack may lose his left arm, but says he does not regret his actions.
Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old Syrian-born Australian citizen, was shot multiple times while disarming the attacker on December 14. His lawyer, Sam Issa, said Ahmed suffered around five gunshot wounds to his left arm, with one bullet lodged deep behind his shoulder blade, causing significant blood loss. Doctors are fighting to save the arm but the risk of amputation is high.
Ahmed's father told Australian media his son, a former police officer, was meeting friends for coffee when he saw the gunman firing into the crowd. "His conscience and soul drove him to pounce on the gunman and take the weapon," he said. A cousin quoted Ahmed as saying "God gave me courage" and that he felt proud to have saved lives.
A public fundraiser for Ahmed and his family has raised over A$1.9 million (HK$9.8 million) from more than 25,000 donors, including a A$99,999 donation from US billionaire Bill Ackman.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns have visited Ahmed in hospital, praising his bravery. Minns said his actions prevented further casualties.
