'I Deserve It?': Bondi Beach Hero After Being Handed $2.5 Million Cheque For His Brave Act

Last Updated:December 19, 2025, 07:02 IST

Ahmed al-Ahmed won praise from locals, celebrities and political leaders after he disarmed one of the two shooters at Sydney's Bondi Beach.

Ahmed al-Ahmed received a check of $2.5 million from 43,000 donors for his heroic efforts. (Photo: X)

Ahmed al-Ahmed, the tobacco shop owner who won global praise for his heroic efforts in disarming one of the two shooters at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, has been handed a cheque of $2.5 million from 43,000 donors.

Ahmed leapt into action and tackled a longarm rifle from Sajid Akram, 50, who was firing indiscriminately at Jewish families on Sunday. His actions were praised by locals, politicians and celebrities.

In a video showing him receiving the check, Ahmed is seen asking, “I deserve it?" Influencer Zachery Dereniowski tells him, “Every Penny."

When asked if he could say one thing to all those who donated, Ahmed replied, “To stand with each other, all human beings. And forget everything bad, behind the back [in the past] and keep going to save lives."

“When I do save the people, I do it from the heart. Because it was a nice day everyone enjoying, celebrating with their kid, woman, man, teenager, everyone was happy and they deserve to enjoy and it’s their right," he was quoted as saying by news.com.au.

News world 'I Deserve It?': Bondi Beach Hero After Being Handed $2.5 Million Cheque For His Brave Act

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