One of world's richest men donates huge reward to Bondi Beach hero
In the wake of the shocking terrorist incident on Bondi Beach yesterday, a new Australian hero emerged after tackling one of the shooters and stealing his gun - and it seems a very big reward is heading his way.
Many could only watch on in horror over the weekend as a father and son, later named as Sajid and Naveed Akram, opened fire during a Hanukkah celebration on one of Australia's most recognisable beaches.
It's been confirmed that 15 people have died from the attack, while another six are currently in critical condition in hospital, and that could perhaps have been many more if not for the heroic actions of local fruit shop owner Ahmed al Ahmed, 43.
Startling footage captured the moment he snuck up on Sajid, who was later shot dead at the scene, and wrestled a gun away from him, before lying it down on the floor as the attacker fled.
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You can watch the video here:
Now, as Mr Ahmed recovers in hospital after being shot twice in the arm, the world has united to ensure that this man never has to struggle financially for the rest of his life.
Bill Ackman, a Jewish hedge fund manager who is worth more than $9.5 billion, took note of what Mr Ahmed's incredible actions and pledged to reward him.
“Can someone please set up a verified so we can reward him and his family,” he wrote on social media.
After a GoFundMe was set up yesterday, with an initial goal of $300,000 (AU), it currently stands at over $1,000,000, which includes a huge donation of $99,999 from Mr Ackman.
“After witnessing the extraordinary actions of the hero who helped disarm one of the attackers during the Bondi tragedy, an act that prevented the loss of countless more lives, we felt compelled to act,” the fundraising page reads.
“In a moment of chaos and danger, he stepped forward without hesitation. His actions were selfless, instinctive, and undeniably heroic, taken without regard for his own safety.
"Early reports indicate he was shot twice in the process while protecting others."
Mr Ackman wasn't the only influential figure to praise Mr Ahmed's actions, with US president Donald Trump also labelling him as 'very brave'.
He said: “A very brave person actually who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives. A very brave person who is right now in the hospital and seriously wounded.
“Great respect to the man who did that.”
Meanwhile, the mother of the alleged attacker has also broken her silence after media stormed to her house following the terrorist incident, which has officially been recognised as the worst in Australia's history.
In a press conference early this morning in Australia, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that a national Cabinet meeting would see them discuss the possibility of stricter gun laws in the country, after it was reported that the father in this particular attack was able to legally obtain six firearms.
James Moorhouse