Sometimes the worst of humanity brings out the absolute best in people. That's the complicated story emerging from Sydney, where a targeted antisemitic shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sunday left 16 people dead in what's now Australia's deadliest gun attack in nearly three decades. The global response has been swift and unequivocal.
Global Leaders React to the Attack
President Donald Trump addressed the shooting during a White House Christmas reception on Sunday, calling it "a terrible attack" and "an antisemitic attack obviously," according to Reuters. The facts are grim: two gunmen, a father and his son, allegedly carried out the targeted shooting at Bondi Beach. Police officials confirmed Monday that the 50-year-old father died at the scene, bringing the death toll to 16, while his 24-year-old son remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Trump also offered condolences to victims of a separate deadly shooting in the U.S. that occurred on Saturday.
Former President Barack Obama took to X, saying he and former first lady Michelle Obama were praying for families affected by what he described as a "horrific terrorist attack against Jewish people in Australia."
Former President Joe Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden stood with Australia's Jewish community as it confronts "unimaginable loss" following what he called a "shocking" and "unconscionable" targeted attack.
In a separate statement, Biden addressed a deadly shooting at Brown University that killed two students and wounded nine, saying students should never fear for their lives while learning and urging renewed efforts to prevent gun violence. FBI Director Kash Patel said earlier Sunday on X that authorities had taken a person of interest into custody at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, located about 30 minutes from the Brown University campus.
International Solidarity Pours In
The condemnation extended far beyond U.S. borders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned what he called a "ghastly terrorist attack" targeting people celebrating the first day of Hanukkah, offering condolences on behalf of India and reiterating the country's zero tolerance for terrorism.
Canada's prime minister, Mark Carney, said the country was "horrified" by the antisemitic terror attack, adding that Canada stands with Australia and Jewish communities worldwide in rejecting violence, hatred and intimidation.
The Hero Who Stopped It From Getting Worse
Here's where the story shifts. Amid the chaos and carnage, a bystander tackled and disarmed one of the attackers. Australian media identified the man as Ahmed al-Ahmed, a 43-year-old fruit shop owner who was shot twice during the confrontation and later underwent surgery, Reuters noted.
Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman took to X and said the bravery of the man who intervened clearly saved lives, calling for confirmation of his identity and support for his family. The response has been overwhelming: a fundraising campaign for al-Ahmed had raised more than A$200,000 by Monday morning.
Salesforce (CRM) CEO Marc Benioff said he was heartbroken by the antisemitic attack but praised al-Ahmed's courage, saying his actions turned tragedy into a powerful reminder that human bravery can overcome hate.
It's the kind of heroism that deserves recognition. When someone runs toward danger while everyone else is running away, especially when they're not trained law enforcement or military, it says something profound about character. Al-Ahmed didn't have to do anything. He chose to act anyway.