Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed finally reveals why he didn't shoot terrorist when he had the chance - as he appears on CNN during US tour
The hero of the Bondi Beach massacre has shared why he didn't shoot one of the attackers after wrestling his gun away.
- Ahmed Al Ahmed travelled to New York
- He talked with CNN about the Bondi Beach attack
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By ASHLEY NICKEL, NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA
Published: 13:16 GMT, 8 January 2026 | Updated: 21:14 GMT, 8 January 2026
The man who has become the face of the many brave deeds by everyday Australians during the Bondi Beach attack has revealed why he didn't shoot back at the gunmen.
Ahmed Al Ahmed, 43, skyrocketed to worldwide fame after he risked his life when he wrestled a firearm from mass shooter Sajid Akram on December 14.
Police alleged Sajid and his son, Naveed Akram, opened fire on a Jewish festival celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at Bondi Beach.
Police fatally shot Sajid and wounded Naveed, bringing an end to the horrific attack, but not before 15 innocent people had been gunned down and dozens more injured.
At one point during the attack, Mr Ahmed snatched a gun from Sajid and pointed it back at him. He refused to shoot, despite having been shot five times himself.
The Syrian-born father travelled from Sydney to New York on Tuesday to undergo further treatment for his injuries.
He has been welcomed warmly by the city's Jewish community and is expected to travel to Washington DC, where he said he hoped to meet US President Donald Trump, though it had not been arranged.
While in New York he sat down with CNN anchor Bianna Golodryga, who herself has co-written a children's book on dealing with antisemitism, and was asked why he didn't shoot when he had the weapon pointed at the gunman.
Ahmed Al Ahmed is pictured (l-r) with Rabbi Yehoram Ulman, father-in-law of the Bondi victim Rabbi Eli Schlanger, and CNN anchors Zain Asher and Bianna Golodryga
Bondi hero Ahmed Al Ahmed has been interviewed by CNN while visiting New York
He said he didn't pull the trigger because he was not seeking revenge.
'I didn't shoot him because I was doing it as humility, to stop him to kill more innocent human beings,' he said, adding that he was also not concerned for his safety, but rather the people at the beach.
'I get five shots, it's fine to save life. My blood for my country, Australia and for human beings around the whole world, anywhere and any place.'
Mr Ahmed spent two weeks in Sydney's St George Hospital and has undergone extensive surgeries for bullet wounds to his chest, shoulder and arm.