Aussies name for Bondi Beach hero to be named Australian of the Year after he bravely disarmed one of many gunmen

A former politician has called for the humble hero who bravely disarmed one of the Bondi Beach gunmen to be named Australian of the Year.

Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, was the man who bravely approached Sajid Akram, 50, as he fired shots at people attending a Hanukkah event on Sunday evening. 

The massacre claimed 15 innocent lives and hospitalised up to 40 people. 

Mr Ahmed was seen crouching behind a car before pouncing on Akram’s back in a moment of pure heroism, now viewed more than 22 million times online. 

The pair grappled for a few seconds before Mr Ahmed snatched the gunman’s rifle from him and pointed it in his direction. 

The gunman retreated to a nearby footbridge where it’s alleged he continued to fire multiple rounds alongside his son, 24-year-old Naveed. 

Former member of Victorian Parliament Bernie Finn called for Mr Ahmed to be honoured with the country’s top award on Monday. 

‘Ahmed al Ahmed should be made Australian of the Year. What an extraordinary effort from an amazing human being,’ he wrote on Facebook. 

Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, was the man who bravely approached Sajid Akram, 50, as he fired shots at people attending a Hanukkah event on Sunday evening

Ahmed Al Ahmed is comforted after taking down one of the gunmen on Sunday

The Prime Minister visited Ahmed al Ahmed in hospital on Tuesday

Many agreed with the call to make Mr Ahmed the Australian of the Year. 

‘Yes! Australian of the Year is in order. Let’s start the campaign,’ one person wrote.

‘While disarming one gunman he diverted focus from the other onto himself. Definitely many lives were saved by his actions,’ another person wrote.

‘How do we nominate him for the Australian of the Year award that is presented on Australia Day? It’s only around the corner,’ a third said.

The national Australian of the Year 2026 will be announced on January 26, but state and territory winners have already been announced.

These state and territory recipients are finalists for the national award, meaning Mr Ahmed may be ineligible. 

The grocer and father-of-two remains at St George Hospital where he has undergone surgery for bullet wounds to his arm and hand.

Anthony Albanese visited Mr Ahmed in hospital on Tuesday and later described him as ‘the best of our country’ and an inspiration to all Australians.

Former member of Victorian Parliament Bernie Finn (pictured) has called for Mr Ahmed to be named Australian of the Year for his brave act during the Bondi Beach shooting

Aussies are seen leaving flowers at a makeshift memorial at Bondi Beach on Monday

‘At a moment where we have seen evil perpetrated, he shines out as an example of the strength of humanity. We are a brave country,’ he said. 

‘Ahmed al-Ahmed represents the best of our country. 

‘He was trying to get a cup of coffee. Simple as that. And found himself at a moment where people were being shot in front of him. 

‘He decided to take action and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians. He is a very humble man.’ 

Mr Ahmed is due to undergo further surgeries on Wednesday. 

Australians have raised more than $2 million for Mr Ahmed across several GoFundMe pages.

Mr Finn has been contacted for further comment.