Ahmed Al Ahmed, the Bondi Beach hero, has declared his support for U.S. President Donald Trump upon arriving in New York for further treatment.
Al Ahmed, a Syrian-born tobacconist in Sydney, went viral for his bravery in sneaking up to, and wrestling a gun off one of the alleged terrorists at Bondi Beach during the deadliest terror attack on Australian soil, which killed 15 people and injured 40 others.
The 44-year-old successfully disarmed suspect Sajid Akram, 50, before he was allegedly shot by Akram’s son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram.
Al Ahmed sustained serious injuries during the attack, including five gunshot wounds, and has undergone at least three rounds of surgery.
He was discharged from the hospital on Jan. 4 and has since flown to the United States, where he arrived in New York City this week to begin further specialist treatment for his injuries.
“I wish,” said Al Ahmed when a reporter asked if he would like to meet President Trump. “He’s a hero, of course.”
“I love him. He’s a strong man.”
Bondi terror attack hero Ahmed Al Ahmed arrives in New York for treatment, declares support for Trump: ''He's a hero of the world, I love him, he's a strong man.''
I think the Donald should meet him! pic.twitter.com/19HdUb7wi7 — Drew Pavlou 🇦🇺🇺🇸🇺🇦🇹🇼 (@DrewPavlou) January 8, 2026
Asked about his current situation, Al Ahmed said he was feeling good.
“There is some pain, but it’s all good,” he said.
When asked if he views himself as a hero, he stated that what he did was for the public and humanity.
“I spilled my blood for Australia and for humanity, for all innocent human beings, and I would do it anywhere in the world,” he told reporters in Manhattan, where he was also invited to a Jewish fundraising gala as a guest of honour.
Worldwide Praise
In addition to visits from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and receiving a special award, Al Ahmed’s actions in preventing further loss of life have also earned him praise globally, including from world leaders such as President Trump and King Charles.
President Trump expressed his admiration for Al Ahmed shortly after the Bondi terror incident.
“It’s been a very, very brave person actually, who went and attacked frontally one of the shooters and saved a lot of lives,” Trump said on Dec. 14, while welcoming guests to the White House for Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations.
“So a very brave person who’s right now in the hospital, pretty seriously wounded. Great respect to that man who did that.”
