St. Paul Honors Ebro Ahmed for Bus Rescue
A 27-year-old store owner is recognized after stopping a runaway school bus carrying 19 middle school students and its driver.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Awards
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St. Paul has declared Ebro Ahmed Day after Ahmed stopped a runaway school bus whose driver was seizing last month. Ahmed ran after the bus, leapt through the door, and pulled the emergency brake.
Why it matters
The honors recognize an intervention that prevented harm to a bus full of students and a driver in medical distress. The city council resolution and multiple awards reflect public recognition of a private citizen's quick action in a child-safety emergency.
The runaway bus carried 19 middle school students and a bus driver when Ahmed stopped it. Ahmed received a $1,000 gift from Sheletta Brundidge alongside several awards.
The players
Ebro Ahmed
A 27-year-old St. Paul store owner who stopped the runaway school bus.
St. Paul Fire Department
The city's fire department, which presented Ahmed with its Heroism Award.
Betty McCollum
U.S. Representative whose office issued Ahmed a certificate of congressional recognition.
The details
Ahmed was standing outside his family's store, Ya Bricks Snacks and Tobacco, when he saw a school bus pass with its door open. He ran after the bus, leapt through the door, and pulled the emergency brake after the driver was seized by a medical episode.
Timeline
Last month: The bus driver seized while driving and Ahmed intervened.
Last week: The St. Paul City Council passed a resolution honoring Ahmed.
Monday, Nov. 9, 2026: St. Paul declared Ebro Ahmed Day at an award ceremony.
Awards Context
Ahmed previously received the Hero Award from the Human Development Fund of St. Paul before this round of recognitions. The new honors from the city council, fire department, and Rep. Betty McCollum's office extend that earlier recognition.
The honors spotlight a civilian response to a child-safety emergency on a St. Paul school route. Residents may take from the story the value of quick intervention when a driver becomes incapacitated.
The takeaway
Ahmed's intervention shows how a single bystander's quick decision can prevent a serious incident. The recognition from multiple local and federal offices underscores the value placed on such actions.
What happens next
Ahmed plans to meet with the school children he saved on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more Awards coverage to see how local heroism is recognized across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MPR News.
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