Australians Rally Outside Hospital Where Hero Ahmed Is Recovering, Bringing Flowers and Raising Funds

Australians have begun spontaneously gathering outside the hospital where Ahmed al-Ahmed is being treated, bringing flowers and raising money to support the man widely praised as a hero after the deadly attack at Bondi Beach.

Ahmed al-Ahmed, 43, who wrestled a firearm away from one of the suspected attackers during the massacre, is recovering in hospital after undergoing surgery for gunshot wounds to his arm and hand, his family confirmed.

Videos circulating on social media show Ahmed taking cover behind parked cars before charging the attacker from behind, seizing the rifle and forcing him to the ground.

Australian police said on Monday that a 50-year-old father and his 24-year-old son carried out the attack on a Jewish celebration at Bondi Beach on Sunday afternoon, killing 15 people. It was the deadliest mass attack in Australia in nearly 30 years.

Underwent first surgery

Ahmed’s cousin, Jozay Alkanji, spoke to reporters as he left a Sydney hospital.

“He has gone through the first operation. I believe there will be two or three more surgeries, depending on the doctors and their instructions,” he said.

US President Donald Trump described Ahmed as a “very, very brave man” who saved many lives. Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, called him a “true hero,” saying the footage was “the most incredible scene I have ever seen.”

A GoFundMe campaign launched for Ahmed raised more than AUD 200,000 (USD 132,900) within hours. The largest single donation came from billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman, who contributed AUD 99,999 and shared the fundraiser on his X account.

Citizens show support

Outside St George Hospital in the Sydney suburb of Kogarah, complete strangers have been arriving to express their solidarity.

Misha and Veronica Pochuev visited the hospital with their seven-year-old daughter Miroslava to bring flowers for Ahmed.

“My husband is Russian, my father is Jewish, my grandfather is Muslim. This is not just about Bondi, this is about every human being,” Veronica said.

Yomna Touni, 43, has also been helping to raise funds for Ahmed’s recovery.

“What he did yesterday potentially saved many people, and from an Islamic perspective, it is as if he saved all of humanity,” Touni said.