Bondi Beach Shooting: Trump, Albanese, Bill Ackman Praise Ahmed El Ahmed, Bystander Who Tackled, Disarmed Gunman

(MENAFN- Live Mint) A civilian who intervened and disarmed one of the attackers at Bondi Beach has been widely praised by global leaders, including US President Donald Trump and hedge fund billionaire Bill Ackman, who announced a rewards initiative for everyday heroes.

Viral video of the bystander's actions spread rapidly online on Sunday, soon after two men-later named as a father and son-opened fire on a crowd celebrating the first night of Hanukkah, Bloomberg reported.

Also Read | Bondi Beach Shooting LIVE: Father and son behind mass shooting that killed 15

At least 15 people have been killed in what is being described as the deadliest terrorist attack in Australia's history.

In the mobile-phone video, which has not been verified by Bloomberg News, one of the attackers is standing near a tree and firing. A few meters away, a crouched man emerges from behind a parked car. He grabs the shooter from behind and wrestles the weapon from his hands. Local media named the bystander as Ahmed el Ahmed, a 43-year-old father-of-two from south Sydney. He was shot twice and is being treated in the hospital, according to reports.

He was also soon lauded for his feat. Trump said at the White House that Ahmed had saved many lives and expressed“great respect” for him. In Sydney, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns went further, describing Ahmed's wrestle with the shooter as“the most unbelievable scene I've ever seen.”

“That man is a genuine hero and I've got no doubt there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery,” Minns said at a press conference late Sunday.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also praised Ahmed, and other bystanders who helped treat victims in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.

“People rushing towards danger to show the best of the Australian character,” Albanese told reporters Monday.“That's who we are, people who stand up for our values.”

Also Read | From NYC to LA, major US cities step up security for Hanukkah events

Pershing Square Capital Management's founder Ackman called Ahmed“a brave hero” and said his hedge fund firm would establish a reward program for people who had carried out similar acts.

The top donor to a gofundme page set up for the“hero” who tackled the shooter is listed as William Ackman, who gave $99,999. More than $170,000 has been raised so far.

Salesforce Inc. Founder and Chief Executive Officer Marc Benioff also expressed his gratitude for Ahmed in a post on X.

(With inputs from Bloomberg)

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