Ahmed Al Ahmed became known around the world after disarming a gunman during the Bondi terror attack. Now, months after the violence that changed his life, he is beginning to return to everyday life.
The 43-year-old wrestled a weapon from terrorist Sajid Akram on December 14. During the confrontation, he was shot five times and sustained serious injuries to his shoulder and hand before being rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.
Footage of his actions went viral and a GoFundMe campaign created in his honour raised more than $2.5 million, with over 43,000 donors contributing from around the world.
Despite receiving widespread praise, including commendations from international leaders and an invitation as guest of honour at a $10,000-a-head Jewish gala dinner in New York, Al Ahmed has maintained close ties to his community in southern Sydney.
His tobacco and gift shop, Cigara, in Sutherland, remained closed following the shooting.
There had been speculation that he intended to sell the business, but it is understood he has since decided to reopen and may resume trading as early as this week.
On Friday, Al Ahmed told locals about his plans to reopen the store.
“It will be great to have him back,” one customer told Daily Mail. “He is a great guy and now a hero too and we have missed having him around.”
The development follows earlier claims from a friend that the shop had been sold while Al Ahmed was hospitalised undergoing surgery to remove bullets from his shoulder.
Earlier this week, Al Ahmed shared an update on his recovery, revealing complications affecting his left arm.
“Doctors sent electric shocks through it again and again. Even at 100 mA, I felt nothing,” he said.
“That moment was painful, but it did not break me. I remember the days when I saved lives and made a difference. If I had that strength once, I will find it again.
“This phase is hard, but it is temporary. Healing takes time, and I am ready to fight for it. I ask everyone reading this to keep me in your prayers.”
Al Ahmed has operated his store, which sells gifts and toys, since 2021.
His parents previously described it as a “supermarket” during an interview.
According to neighbouring business owners, he worked at the store daily prior to the attack.
In the days following the incident, flowers and cards were left outside the closed shop thanking him for his bravery.
Last month, it was reported that Al Ahmed had previously been involved in a physical altercation at the store that ended up in the local court.
In January 2025, while working in the stockroom, Al Ahmed heard raised voices at the counter and went to investigate.
The situation escalated into a bizarre confrontation with customer Dan Degney, resulting in violence and hospital treatment for Al Ahmed.
Degney, who was charged and fined over the assault, later claimed entitlement to a share of the $2.5 million raised for Al Ahmed.
The dispute began after Degney, unhappy with the price of cigarettes, threw a cuddly toy from the shop onto the road.
“He said I was shoplifting and I didn’t have anything – he may have saved all those people… but he owes me,” Degney said.
Al Ahmed has not detailed how he intends to use the funds raised in his name, but he has addressed criticism surrounding the campaign.
“They forget I was shot five times, and two bullets are still in my body,” he said in a social media post. “I live with that pain every day and night.”
Images: Instagram
