Australia’s prime minister visits Bondi Beach shooting hero Ahmed al Ahmed in the hospital, lauding his efforts to help stop the nation’s deadliest gun attack in decades.

A father and son killed 15 people in a terror attack at Bondi Beach on Sunday, targeting a Jewish festival that marked the start of Hanukkah.

Footage showed the fruit seller ducking between parked cars as the shooting unfolded and then wresting a gun from one of the assailant’s hands.

“He was trying to get a cup of coffee and found himself at a moment where people were being shot in front of him,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says after a bedside visit with heavily bandaged Ahmed.

“He decided to take action and his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians,” Albanese adds.

Ahmed was shot several times in the shoulder after tussling with one of the gunmen.

Albanese says he will “undergo further surgery” on Wednesday.

“At a moment where we have seen evil perpetrated, he shines out as an example of the strength of humanity,” the prime minister says. “We are a brave country. Ahmed al Ahmed represents the best of our country.”

Bedbound and with tubes in his nose, Ahmed briefly thanked wellwishers in Arabic in a video circulating on social media on Tuesday morning.

“I appreciate the efforts of everyone,” he says, according to an English translation provided by Turkish public broadcaster TRT World.

“May Allah reward you and grant you wellbeing,” he says. “God willing, we will return to you with joy. Thank you for your efforts.”

(AP)