Bystander wrestles gun from suspect in Bondi shooting -VIDEO
Footage shows a bystander tackling one of two suspected gunmen and wresting a firearm from him during the mass shooting at Bondi Beach that left at least 12 people dead, News.Az reports, citing the Guardian.
Video from the scene appears to show the suspect standing on a footpath between a grassy area and a parking lot, holding a shotgun and firing into the distance.
The bystander, who is crouching behind a parked car, rushes towards the alleged gunman as he fires. He leaps on to the alleged gunman and wrestles the gun from his hands.
The video shows the alleged gunman falling to the ground before the bystander points the gun at him as the alleged gunman backs away.
As the alleged gunman retreats, the bystander gently places the gun against a tree and puts his hand in the air.
At least 12 people were killed in the attack on a Hanukah celebration, including one of the shooters, police said. At least 29 people were taken to hospital.
Authorities declared the incident a terrorist attack.
“This is a targeted attack on Jewish Australians on the first day of Hanukah, which should be a day of joy, a celebration of faith,” the prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said at a press conference on Sunday night.
“The evil that was unleashed at Bondi beach today is beyond comprehension and the trauma and loss that families are dealing with tonight is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare.
“Australians have had their lives cruelly stolen and many have been injured … Our first thoughts are with those in the terrible early hours of their grief.
“We are also thinking of everyone being treated for their injuries and many of whom are alive right now because of the courage and quick action of the NSW police and the first responders who rushed to their aid – as well as the courage of everyday Australians who, without hesitating, put themselves in danger in order to keep their fellow Australians safe.
“We have seen Australians today run towards danger in order to help others. These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives.”
Seven News reported the bystander was a 43-year-old fruit shop owner from the Sutherland Shire named Ahmed. A family member interviewed on Sunday night outside a major Sydney hospital where victims from the attack were being brought said the father of two had been admitted after being shot twice.
“The doctor [said] he’s okay, and the next two hours, they let us to go in and see Ahmed,” the family member said.
“He do the operation, but we hope he will be fine. He is a hero, 100%, he’s a hero.”
A separate video of the terror attack showed two men in black clothes crossing a bridge at the beach and firing. Multiple shots could be heard and people could be heard screaming.
NSW police confirmed the dead included a man believed to be one of two gunmen, with the second alleged shooter in a critical condition. They were also investigating whether there was a third shooter. Two police officers were among the injured, police said.
The NSW premier, Chris Minns, told media on Sunday night: “This cowardly act of terrifying violence is shocking and painful to see, and represents some of our worst fears about terrorism in Sydney.”
Minns recognised the “extraordinary acts of personal courage and bravery from individuals in our community”.
“I think it’s worth remembering that in all of this evil, in all of this sadness, there are still wonderful, brave Australians that are prepared to risk their lives to help a complete stranger,” he said.
Minns said the “attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukah”.
“What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters, has been shattered by this horrifying evil attack.
“I can only imagine the pain that they’re feeling right now to see their loved ones killed as they celebrate this ancient holiday. It’s a responsibility of all Australians to wrap their arms around Australia’s Jewish community and help them get through this incredibly difficult period.”
News.Az
