Australia: Bondi Hero Says 'I Couldn't Bear to See People Killed'

Ahmed al-Ahmed, a Muslim greengrocer and son of refugees from Syria, has become a hero in Australia after disarming one of the gunmen at Bondi Beach, saving dozens of lives. The 43-year-old was wounded in the shoulder but is out of danger.

More than 36,000 people, including magnate Bill Ackman, have donated over $2.13 million to support his recovery. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called him an "Australian hero."

Ahmed was in the area with his cousin, Joey Alkadz, when the shooting started. Before intervening, he told his cousin that he would try to save lives. His parents, Mohammad Fateh al-Ahmed and Malakei Hassan, expressed pride in his heroism.

Authorities are investigating the perpetrators, 50-year-old Sajid Akram and 24-year-old Navid Akram, and their connections to ISIS. A trip to the Philippines is also being examined. Navid Akram was reportedly investigated in 2019 for possible links to the Islamic State.

Bondi Beach has become a place of mourning for the victims of the attack.