Hero of Sydney: Syrian-Australian man disarms attacker during shooting

WISE NEWS PRESS / SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — DEC. 16, 2025

The courageous individual who disarmed one of the assailants during the deadly shooting attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on Sunday evening has been identified as Ahmed el Ahmed, a 43-year-old Australian citizen of Syrian origin.

The attack, which claimed the lives of at least 15 people, could have resulted in even greater tragedy if not for El Ahmed's intervention. Eyewitness accounts and footage circulating on social media show El Ahmed running towards one of the armed attackers and wrestling a long-barreled weapon from his hands. By turning the weapon back on the assailant, he forced the attacker to retreat, a move authorities believe prevented further loss of life.

'A true hero'

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed El Ahmed's identity and praised his bravery. "Ahmed el Ahmed took a huge risk to disarm the attacker and suffered serious injuries as a result. He is currently undergoing surgery in the hospital," Albanese told reporters.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, who visited El Ahmed in the hospital, described the act as "the most incredible scene I have ever seen in my life". Minns added, "That man is a true hero, and I have no doubt there are many people alive tonight because of his courage".

A father and a grocer

El Ahmed, a father of two who works as a grocer, sustained gunshot wounds to his hand and arm during the struggle. While local outlet 7News reported two bullet wounds, his family told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that he had been shot four or five times.

His cousin, Mustafa Asad, spoke to local media, stating, "He is a hero. 100 percent a hero. He was shot in the arm and hand". His mother asked for prayers for his recovery.

Police have classified the incident, which occurred while more than a thousand people were attending Hanukkah celebrations, as a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community.

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