In an exclusive and gripping account, Ahmed Al Ahmed, the courageous 44-year-old Syrian-born Muslim shop owner who became an instant global hero, has revealed the precise words he yelled while tackling a gunman during the devastating Bondi Beach Hanukkah terror attack on December 14, 2025. As chaos erupted at the joyful Jewish celebration in Sydney, Al Ahmed charged from cover, leaped onto shooter Sajid Akram’s back, and commanded: “Drop your gun, stop doing what you’re doing!” This bold intervention disarmed the attacker momentarily, allowing panicked families to flee and undoubtedly saving numerous lives in Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in decades.

The assault targeted “Chanukah by the Sea,” a family-friendly Hanukkah event drawing hundreds to Bondi Beach’s iconic sands for menorah lightings and festivities on the festival’s first night. Father-and-son duo Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly meticulously planned the Islamic terrorist attack for months, firing long guns from a footbridge and ground level. Fifteen innocent people perished—including a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and Rabbi Eli Schlanger—while dozens more were wounded, with over 40 hospitalized in critical conditions. Sajid was fatally shot by police; Naveed, injured, faces 59 charges, including terrorism and murder.

Al Ahmed, a father of two enjoying coffee nearby, acted purely on instinct. Hiding behind parked cars, he waited for the right moment before surging forward. “I don’t want to see people killed in front of me, I don’t want to see blood, I don’t want to hear his gun,” he told CBS News in his first interview. “That’s my soul asked me to do that… everything in my heart, in my brain, everything, it’s worked just to manage to save the people’s life.” Shot five times during the struggle, he underwent multiple surgeries but expressed sorrow for the lost lives while knowing he “saved lots.”

Viral footage captured the heart-stopping takedown: Al Ahmed wrestling the rifle free, then aiming it at the retreating gunman. His bravery, transcending faith amid an antisemitic atrocity, has united Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited him in hospital, calling him “the best of our country” and “an inspiration.” A GoFundMe for his recovery surpassed $2.5 million, with murals and tributes honoring his humility. King Charles and world leaders echoed praise, while an independent review probes intelligence lapses.

This attack, amid rising global antisemitism, has prompted tightened gun laws and security vows in Australia, where such violence is rare post-1996 Port Arthur reforms. Bondi’s vibrant community mourns, with memorials growing and funerals drawing thousands. Yet Al Ahmed’s story shines as a beacon: ordinary humanity prevailing over hate.

As investigations continue—including the Akrams’ pre-attack Philippines trip—Al Ahmed’s words and deeds remind us that courage can emerge in darkest moments, fostering hope and solidarity across divides.