A Middle Eastern refugee living in Australia on a temporary visa has been revealed as a second hero who intervened during the deadly terror attack on Bondi Beach, kicking an assailant's rifle out of reach moments before police shot at him.
Chaos on the Pedestrian Bridge
Newly emerged footage from the horrific incident on December 14, 2025, shows the civilian, whose lawyer has identified him as a refugee, sneaking onto a pedestrian bridge shortly after two gunmen opened fire. The attack targeted a crowd of over 1,000 people celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on the popular Sydney beach.
With sirens blaring and one alleged attacker already wounded on the ground, the man is seen in the video approaching the scene. He then kicks a rifle away from the wounded individual before backing off with his hands raised, shouting "don't shoot" to approaching police officers.
Mistaken Identity and a Hero's Plight
In the ensuing confusion, the man was briefly fired upon by police as he ducked for cover. He was then confronted by members of the public who mistakenly believed he was involved in the attack. After being punched in the head, he was forced to defend himself before officers secured him on the ground and later took him to safety.
His immigration lawyer, Alison Battisson, stated her client had just arrived at Bondi Beach when he heard gunfire and ran towards it, while others fled. She revealed the man, who has an Australian wife and children, has lived in the country for around a decade but remains on a temporary visa with no guaranteed path to permanent residency. His heroic actions have not resolved his uncertain immigration status.
Another Hero's Sacrifice
This man's bravery follows that of another hero, Ahmed el Ahmed, 43. The Syrian refugee, a father of two young daughters, wrestled a gun from one of the attackers. During the struggle, he was shot twice and injured. A GoFundMe page set up for him has raised over AUS $1 million.
Chris Minns, the Premier of New South Wales, visited Mr al Ahmed in hospital, calling him a "real-life hero" who "no doubt saved countless lives." The terror attack, one of the deadliest on Australia's Jewish community, left at least 16 people dead, including a ten-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and a long-serving rabbi.
One shooter was killed by police, while the other suspect, Naveed Akram, was critically injured and apprehended. The attack has sent shockwaves globally, with synagogues in London, UK, tightening security in response.
