Ahmed el Ahmed, the bystander who disarmed one of the gunmen during the attack on Sydney's Bondi Beach, acted with "a clear conscience and humanity", his family has told the BBC.
In the attack in Sydney, Australia, at a Jewish holiday, 15 people were killed, while one of the attackers also died.
Videos of Ahmed disarming one of the attackers have gone viral.
Ahmed's father, Mohamed Fateh el Ahmed, said his son did not hesitate when he saw people being attacked.
"Ahmed was driven by his feelings, conscience and humanity when he rushed forward, stopped the gunman and grabbed his weapon," he said.
He added that Ahmed had gone out with a friend for coffee when he saw the incident.
"He saw the victims, the blood, the women and children lying in the street, and then he acted," his father said.
According to the family, Ahmed's condition is stable and he is awaiting further medical treatment for gunshot wounds to his shoulder and hand.
In Syria, where Ahmed was born and raised, his uncle, Mohamed Ahmed al Ahmed, told the BBC that the family felt great pride.
"He made us, our village, Syria, all Muslims and the whole world proud," he said.
This is the moment a brave hero tackled and disarmed one of the shooters at Bondi Beach in Sydney.https://t.co/Hrfvpiz5az
— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) December 14, 2025