A man who intervened during a terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in Australia was mistakenly shot by police while attempting to disarm one of the assailants. The incident unfolded as Naveed Akram, 24, and his father, Sajid Akram, 50, opened fire on a crowd celebrating Hanukkah, resulting in at least 15 fatalities and numerous injuries.
Footage from the scene, reported by the Daily Mail, captures the moment when the civilian, identified only as a Middle Eastern refugee living with his Australian wife and children, rushed towards the gunfire. After one of the attackers was incapacitated by police return fire, the man quickly approached and attempted to kick the rifle away from the downed shooter. His actions were aimed at preventing further violence.
As he backed away from the scene with his hands raised, he shouted, “Don’t shoot,” but the chaotic environment led to his being shot by police. Bystanders, mistaking him for an accomplice of the attackers, tackled him to the ground. The scene was further complicated as police arrived to secure the area, leading to confusion among those present.
Local immigration lawyer Alison Battisson, representing the injured man, stated that he was in Australia on a temporary visa to be with his family, who are all citizens. “He got out of a taxi, heard the shooting, other people ran away and he ran towards the sound of the shooting,” Battisson explained. She emphasized that public opinion may influence whether he is allowed to remain in Australia given his courageous actions during the attack.
The situation at Bondi Beach stands in stark contrast to that of another local hero, Ahmed el Ahmed, a 43-year-old father of two from Syria. El Ahmed successfully wrestled a firearm away from one of the attackers while sustaining injuries to his left arm. His bravery was widely acknowledged, highlighting the extraordinary responses of civilians during times of crisis.
Authorities continue to investigate the attack, which has left the community reeling. The impact of the violence has prompted discussions about security measures at public events and the treatment of those who risk their lives to protect others.
As the investigation unfolds, the actions of individuals like the Middle Eastern refugee and Ahmed el Ahmed underline the human capacity for bravery in the face of terror. Their stories reflect the complexity of identity and belonging in a nation grappling with the aftermath of violence.
