A tobacconist who went viral for his extraordinary bravery wrestling one of the Bondi beach gunmen has spoken out for the first time about his instinctive actions.
Sitting down with an American news network after being released from St George Hospital following surgery for gunshot wounds, Ahmed al-Ahmed says he still mourns for those killed.
Fifteen people were killed when Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son Naveed sprayed a hail of bullets targeting a Jewish celebration at Bondi beach on 14 December 14 in a terror attack inspired by Islamic State.
"My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing a human being's life and not killing innocent people," the 43-year-old told CBS News.
"I know I saved lots, but I feel sorry for the lost."
His courage earned him praise across the world for stopping more people from being killed as he batted away fears of being struck down by the younger gunman perched on a bridge.
Hailed by world leaders including US President Donald Trump and King Charles, the Syrian-Australian man lunged at the older gunman, wrestled the long rifle from him and then pointed it at the terrorist as he cowered away.
"I jumped on his back, hit him. I hold him with my right hand and start saying a word, you know, like to warn him, drop your gun, stop doing what you're doing, and it's come all fast," he said of the brief struggle.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Christmas Eve that several heroes of the Bondi massacre will be honoured with a special award for their bravery, from first responders to ordinary citizens including Mr Al Ahmed.
"At the worst of times ... we see the best of the Australian character," he said.
Mr Al Ahmed's cousin had previously told AAP they were supposed to go to another beach near his home suburb of Sutherland in southern Sydney, but decided to head to Bondi in the east in a last-minute change.
