Ahmed al Ahmed, the Syrian-Australian bystander who disarmed one of the gunmen during the deadly December 14, 2025, terror attack at Bondi Beach, has become the centre of a fierce online backlash after billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman announced a second major gift to the hero — this time reportedly a luxury apartment in Sydney’s eastern suburbs valued at over $3 million.

Ackman, founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, first made headlines in late December when he personally donated $99,999 to al Ahmed through a crowdfunding campaign organized by influencer Zachery Dereniowski. The initial gift was part of a larger fund that ultimately raised over $2.5 million from more than 43,000 donors worldwide, a sum presented to al Ahmed while he was recovering in hospital from five gunshot wounds sustained in the attack that killed 15 people.

The second gift, confirmed by Ackman in a Truth Social post on January 7, was described as “a small token of appreciation for a man who risked everything to protect others.” Ackman wrote: “Ahmed is a true hero. He deserves to live comfortably after what he endured. This apartment is just the beginning.”

The announcement triggered an immediate and furious reaction on social media. The hashtag #Was99999NotEnough trended in Australia within hours, with thousands accusing Ackman of turning al Ahmed’s heroism into a spectacle and questioning the optics of a billionaire repeatedly gifting lavish rewards.

“Why does a hero need another multi-million-dollar handout?” one viral post read. “The first $2.5 million was overwhelming — now a luxury apartment? This feels more about Ackman’s ego than Ahmed’s needs.” Others argued the money could better support the families of the 15 victims killed in the attack.

Supporters countered that Ackman’s generosity was well-intentioned and that al Ahmed, who remains in recovery with ongoing medical needs and nerve damage to his hand, deserves every comfort. “He took five bullets to save lives — let the man live in peace,” one fan wrote.

Al Ahmed, 44, has remained largely out of the spotlight since his hospital discharge, though he expressed profound gratitude in a brief statement: “I’m overwhelmed by the kindness shown to me and my family. The support means more than words can say.”

The backlash highlights broader unease about the “hero economy” — where acts of courage are quickly commodified into viral fundraising campaigns and celebrity endorsements. Critics point to the contrast between the $2.5 million raised for al Ahmed and the smaller funds collected for some victims’ families.

Meanwhile, Ackman has doubled down, posting: “Critics can complain all they want. Ahmed saved lives. He deserves every dollar and more.”

As the debate rages, the Bondi attack’s aftermath continues to evolve. Al Ahmed’s bravery remains undisputed — but the lavish gifts have turned a moment of national unity into a flashpoint for class, privilege, and the limits of public generosity.