Two men, including one of Punjabi-Sikh origin, are being hailed as heroes for their instinctive and courageous actions during a terrifying shooting incident at Sydney's famous Bondi Beach on Sunday. While crowds fled in panic as gunmen opened fire near a Hanukkah celebration and along the beachfront, these bystanders ran directly towards the danger to disarm the attackers.
Punjabi-Sikh New Zealander Acts on Instinct
Amandeep Singh Bola, a 34-year-old man of Punjabi-Sikh descent from New Zealand, was simply enjoying a kebab on the beach when the sound of gunfire shattered the calm. Initially mistaking the noise for firecrackers, he soon realized the severity of the situation as he saw people running in fear. Instead of fleeing, Bola's instincts propelled him towards the source of the danger.
He witnessed police officers shoot one of the assailants, later identified as Sajid Akram, on a footbridge. Without a second thought, Bola sprinted towards the wounded gunman. He knocked the firearm away and pinned Akram down, holding him until law enforcement could secure the scene. Reflecting on the intense moment, Bola recounted, "I could feel him dying under me." Mobile phone footage from the scene captures Bola restraining Akram while police handcuffed a second suspect, Naveed Akram.
The aftermath of the struggle hit him hard. "As I got up, there was a strong adrenaline rush. I felt like vomiting," he said, adding that comforting words from people around him reflected a true spirit of multiculturalism. When asked about his motivation, Bola attributed his actions to pure instinct, stating his only thought was to help people. The experience has left him struggling to sleep since the event.
Bola's family roots trace back to Punjab's Nawanshahr district. His relatives migrated to New Zealand in the early 20th century, and he himself moved to Australia six or seven years ago. He mentioned that his family last visited the Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar in 2019.
Fruit Shop Owner Tackles Gunman Despite Being Shot
In a separate act of bravery during the same attack, another civilian confronted a gunman near a playground where a 'Chanukah By The Sea' event was taking place. Ahmed al Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner and father of two from southern Sydney, was walking past the area when the shooting began.
Viral footage shows Ahmed initially taking cover behind cars before making a decisive move. He rushed towards one of the gunmen, tackled him to the ground, and placed him in a headlock. Despite being shot twice during the confrontation, Ahmed managed to wrestle the shotgun away from the attacker. Bystanders used a towel to try and stem the bleeding from his leg wound.
His cousin, Mustafa, informed 7News that Ahmed was hospitalized, and the family was awaiting updates on his condition, emphatically calling him "a hero 100 per cent." According to relatives, Ahmed had no prior firearms training and acted purely out of a desire to protect others. His selfless intervention drew high praise, including from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who called it "the pinnacle of Jewish heroism."
Investigation and Aftermath
Australian police have confirmed that investigations into the Bondi Beach shooting are ongoing, with a focus on determining the precise motives of the attackers. The quick actions of these two brave men, who risked their own lives to prevent further casualties, have become a central point of discussion in the wake of the tragedy.
Their stories highlight remarkable personal courage and the instinctive human drive to protect others in moments of extreme crisis. The events at Bondi Beach underscore how ordinary individuals can become extraordinary heroes in the face of senseless violence.
