In a moment of extraordinary courage, Ahmed al Ahmed transformed from an ordinary Sydney shop owner into a lifesaving hero during Australia's deadliest mass shooting since 1996.

The Syrian-born father of two risked his own life by tackling one of the gunmen during a horrific terrorist attack at a Hanukkah event, preventing further bloodshed and potentially saving dozens of lives. Verified footage captured the precise moment Ahmed wrestled a long-arm gun from shooter Sajid Akram, shouting, "Drop your gun, stop doing what you're doing."

During an exclusive interview with CBS News, Ahmed revealed the powerful emotional drive behind his split-second decision. "I don't want to see people killed in front of me, I don't want to see blood, I don't want to hear his gun, I don't want to see people screaming and begging," he explained, describing an almost instinctive response to the unfolding violence.

The attack resulted in fifteen fatalities and forty injuries, with police declaring it a targeted terrorist incident against the Jewish community. Ahmed was shot multiple times in the shoulder during his heroic intervention, requiring at least three surgical operations. Despite his injuries, he remained focused on his singular goal: "My target was just to take the gun from him, and to stop him from killing innocent people."

In recognition of his extraordinary bravery, Ahmed was visited by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who described him as "the best of our country." The community's gratitude was further demonstrated when he was presented with a remarkable A$2.5 million donation raised by tens of thousands of supporters, all while recovering in his hospital bed.

Sajid Akram was ultimately shot dead by police, and his son Naveed - the other alleged gunman - was hospitalized and subsequently charged with 59 offenses, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist attack. Ahmed's parents told BBC Arabic that their son was "driven by his sentiment, conscience and humanity" - a description that powerfully captures the essence of his heroic actions.

In a testament to human compassion, Ahmed's story transcends the horrific violence, showcasing how individual courage can make a profound difference in moments of extreme crisis.