The couple seen in widely circulated dashcam footage attempting to stop one of the Bondi Beach shooters have been identified as Boris and Sofia Gurman, among the 15 victims killed in Sunday’s Islamist terror attack in Sydney.
The Gurmans were named by family members in a statement released Tuesday, after dramatic footage emerged showing Boris Gurman, 69, tackling shooter Sajid Akram and wrestling a gun from him on Campbell Parade near Bondi Beach. Sofia Gurman, 61, is also seen confronting the attacker moments before both were fatally shot.
Dashcam video posted to social media captured the incident as Akram emerged from his vehicle, which had an Islamic State flag draped across the windscreen. Boris, wearing a purple shirt, is seen charging the terrorist, forcing him to the ground and attempting to disarm him. Sofia appears alongside her husband during the confrontation. Separate drone footage taken afterward shows the couple lying motionless together on the footpath.
“We are heartbroken by the sudden and senseless loss of our beloved Boris and Sofia,” the family said. The couple had been married for 34 years, with their 35th wedding anniversary approaching in January. The family had also been preparing to celebrate Sofia’s 62nd birthday later this week.
According to relatives, Boris was a retired mechanic known for his generosity and quiet strength, while Sofia worked for Australia Post and was deeply respected by colleagues and members of the local community. “They lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone they met with kindness, warmth and respect,” the family said.
