Footage seen around the world shows 43-year-old tobacconist Ahmed Al Ahmed courageously disarming a gunman at Bondi Beach as civilians were under threat. His actions likely prevented further harm, but one question quickly emerged: why didn’t he fire the weapon after taking it?

The video captures Mr Al Ahmed approaching the shooter from behind and wrestling a long-barrelled weapon from his grasp. Another civilian is seen throwing an object at the now-unarmed attacker, who then retreats as the two men take cover behind a tree.

Former police firearms, tactics, and use-of-force instructor Paul Johnstone said the answer was “all about mindset.” He explained that “most people have never been trained to take a life or to actively engage in a shooting so they would be very reluctant to fire a shot at the terrorist.”

Johnstone also pointed to the legal uncertainty faced by civilians in such moments. “Furthermore, there may have been a reluctance to be then arrested for murder, manslaughter or causing injury,” he said, noting how these concerns can influence decisions made under extreme pressure.

While debate continues online, experts suggest Mr Al Ahmed’s actions reflect how ordinary people respond in extraordinary situations. By disarming the attacker without firing, he stopped the immediate threat and demonstrated that heroism can come from restraint as much as force — acting instinctively to protect others in a moment when every second mattered.