A civilian intervened during a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, Australia, attempting to disarm one of the assailants before being mistakenly shot by police. The incident occurred as Naveed Akram, aged 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, aged 50, allegedly opened fire on a crowd celebrating Hanukkah, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries.
According to reports, the unidentified hero, a Middle Eastern refugee residing in Australia with his Australian wife and children, heard the gunfire and rushed toward the chaos. Footage from the scene, as reported by the Daily Mail, shows him confronting one of the shooters who had been struck by police return fire. He approached the downed gunman and attempted to kick the weapon out of reach, demonstrating remarkable bravery.
As he backed away with his hands raised, shouting, “Don’t shoot,” the situation escalated. The civilian was mistakenly shot and subsequently tackled by bystanders who believed he was one of the attackers. Video evidence depicts the chaotic scene as the crowd overwhelmed the injured man while police officers intervened to secure the area.
Local immigration lawyer Alison Battisson, representing the injured civilian, stated that he was in Australia on a temporary visa to support his family. “He got out of a taxi, heard the shooting, other people ran away and he ran towards the sound of the shooting,” she explained. Battisson highlighted the moral dilemma surrounding the civilian’s right to remain in Australia, noting that public opinion may play a role in the determination of his status.
This incident stands in stark contrast to the actions of another local hero, Ahmed el Ahmed, aged 43. El Ahmed successfully wrested a firearm from one of the alleged shooters while sustaining gunshot wounds to his left arm. Both men showcased extraordinary courage in the face of danger during a tragic event.
The Bondi Beach shooting has sparked a nationwide conversation about community resilience and the responses of individuals during crises. As investigations continue, many are reflecting on the actions of ordinary citizens who risked their lives to protect others.
