Ahmed al-Ahmed: Bondi hero who tackled gunman speaks about heroism in first televised interview since attack

Ahmed al-Ahmed, the man who courageously tackled and disarmed one of the Bondi Beach gunmen, has spoken about his heroic act in his first televised interview since the horrific attack on December 14.

The 43-year-old Syrian-Australian bravely intervened as two shooters opened fire on a Chanukah by the Sea celebration, killing 15 innocent people.

He has since been released from St George Hospital in Sydney’s southeast, where he was receiving treatment for five gunshot wounds sustained during the massacre.

Two weeks later, and recovering from multiple surgeries, Mr Ahmed has opened up about the moment he confronted the gunman.

“My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being’s life and not killing innocent people,” he told CBS News.

“I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry still for the lost.”

Footage of Mr Ahmed leaping from the side of a vehicle and wrestling a weapon from one of the shooters quickly went viral on social media across the world following the attack.

“I jumped on his back, hit him. I hold him with my right hand and start saying a word, you know, like to warn him, ‘drop your gun, stop doing what you’re doing’, and it’s come all in fast,” he recalled.

When asked what propelled him to throw himself in the face of danger, Mr Ahmed said he didn’t want to see “people killed in front” of him.

“Emotionally, I’m doing something, which is I feel something, a power in my body, my brain...I don’t want to hear his gun, I don’t want to see people screaming and begging, asking for help, and that’s my soul asking me to do that.”

“Everything in my heart, in my brain, everything, it’s worked just to manage to save the people’s life.”

Last week, Mr Ahmed was handed a cheque for $2.5 million for his heroism after a GoFundMe campaign received more than 44,000 donations.

He was in his hospital bed when popular online personality Zachery Dereniowski visited to deliver him the news after the world rallied and donated to the hero who saved countless lives.

“I deserve it?” he asked as he was handed the cheque.

“Every penny,” Dereniowski responded.

Mr Ahmed also received visits from NSW Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who both thanked the “real-life hero” for his actions.

“He was trying to get a cup of coffee and found himself at a moment where people were being shot in front of him,” Mr Albanese said after his visit.

“He decided to take action, and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians. He is a very humble man.

“At a moment where we have seen evil perpetrated, he shines out as an example of the strength of humanity. We are a brave country. Ahmed al-Ahmed represents the best of our country.”

Mr Albanese announced last week that a special honours list that will recognise the heroes of the Bondi terror attack.

“Today I’ve written to the Governor-General requesting the creation of a special honours list in response to this horrific terrorist attack,” Mr Albanese announced from Canberra on Wednesday.

He said it would form part of the Australian honours and awards system.

“This would recognise those individuals nominated and recommended for a bravery or a meritorious award in response to the Bondi terrorist attack.”