Ahmed al-Ahmed, Sydney’s hero greengrocer, spoke, telling what he said to the terrorist when he took out the gun

“My goal was simply to take the gun away and prevent him from killing innocent human beings“the greengrocer told CBS News, whose action was filmed and broadcast worldwide.

Ahmed recalled the moment when, after approaching from behind, he jumped on the back of one of the terrorists, holding him with his right hand, and said: “Drop the gun and stop what you’re doing.”.

Thus he managed to disarm Sajid Akramone of the two attackers, who later died in the attack, which Australian authorities have called anti-Semitic.

His son, Naveed Akram, with whom he led the attack, is currently in police custody. The two killed 15 people and injured dozens during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which was celebrated on Bondi Beach.

“I didn’t want to see people die in front of me“I didn’t want to see blood, I didn’t want to hear the sound of his gun, I didn’t want to see people screaming and begging, asking for help,” Ahmed said, reliving the scene.

“I know I saved many lives, but I’m sorry for those who were lost.“added the man, who was shot several times in the shoulder during the confrontation and had to undergo several surgeries.

Father-of-two Ahmed emigrated to Australia from Syria in 2007, his uncle Mohammed, a farmer, said just days after the shooting in Al-Nayrab, his hometown, adding that his actions were “a source of pride for us and for Syria.”

The Australian government expedited the procedures and granted several visas to Ahmed’s family, according to local media. “Ahmed has demonstrated the bravery and values ​​we seek in Australia,” Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said in a statement.