An online fundraiser established for the hero of Bondi Beach, Ahmed Al Ahmed, has reached close to AUD$2 million (£992,070) in donations, with contributions almost doubling overnight and continuing to pour in from various parts of the world. Al Ahmed gained widespread acclaim for his courageous intervention during the Sydney terror attack on Sunday, where he successfully subdued one of the gunmen.
Initial reports indicated that the fundraising drive for the father-of-two had swiftly amassed an impressive AUD$1 million (£495,827) within hours. However, the campaign has now exceeded that milestone, raising a total of AUD$1.9 million (£991,720) for Al Ahmed as of the latest update, with the fundraiser rapidly progressing towards its AUD$3.1 million (£1,537,305) target.
Video footage captured the dramatic moment when Ahmed Al Ahmed, aged 43, heroically intervened by confronting and tackling one of the assailants during the Sydney terror incident in Australia. The footage depicted Ahmed taking cover behind a vehicle as the gunman, seemingly unaware of his presence, began shooting.
Before his daring act, Ahmed reportedly informed his cousin that he anticipated the risk of losing his life, urging him to inform his family that he acted to save others’ lives. In a bold and swift move of bravery, Ahmed charged at the gunman, disarmed him, and turned the firearm towards the assailant, compelling him to retreat.
Acknowledged for his life-saving actions in disarming the gunman and forcing him to withdraw, Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop proprietor from Syria who relocated to Australia in 2006, sustained injuries during the attack and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
Following a successful initial surgery, Ahmed’s cousin, Hozay Alkanj, reported that additional surgeries might be required depending on his recovery progress. Ahmed’s mother, Malakeh Hasan Al Ahmed, disclosed that Ahmed had previous experience in law enforcement and intelligence services.
Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales from the Australian Labour Party, visited Ahmed in the hospital and commended his bravery in a Twitter post, emphasizing his heroism in averting further casualties during the attack.
The fundraiser, organized by Car Hub Australia and Canadian social media influencer Zachery Dereniowski, aims to support Ahmed’s recovery as he remains hospitalized due to gunshot wounds sustained in the incident. Dereniowski expressed deep admiration for Al Ahmed’s courageous act, highlighting his selfless intervention in the face of danger.
The initiative has garnered support from over 33,000 donors, including a substantial contribution of AUD$99,999 (£49,742.02) from William Ackman, believed to be the billionaire and American hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. Messages of solidarity and admiration have poured in from donors worldwide, recognizing Ahmed’s heroism and expressing gratitude for his selfless actions.
Donations are continuously streaming in following the tragic loss of 15 innocent lives and injuries to numerous individuals in the attack. The suspected terrorist, Naveed Akram, 24, was apprehended at the scene, while his alleged accomplice and father, Sajid, 50, was fatally shot by law enforcement officers.
For those interested in supporting Ahmed Al Ahmed’s recovery, the GoFundMe page can be accessed by clicking the provided link.