Sydney Hanukkah Massacre
Plain-Clothes Detective Took Out Bondi Beach Shooter | WATCH
Although many have criticized the lack of adequate security and the fact that some police reportedly froze, while others hid during the attack, this detective did the complete opposite and saved countless lives.
A plain-clothes New South Wales detective has been praised for extraordinary bravery during the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach on December 14, engaging two rifle-armed gunmen with only his service handgun while wearing civilian clothes and no body armor.
The attackers, a father-son duo identified as Sajid Akram (50, killed by police) and Naveed Akram (24, critically injured and arrested), were armed with long rifles legally obtained by the father. They targeted a Chabad-organized Hanukkah celebration, killing 15 people and injuring dozens.
Viral video footage shows the detective taking cover behind a tree approximately 40 meters from the gunmen, one of whom was positioned on an elevated footbridge. Using a standard-issue 9mm Glock pistol, he fired on Sajid Akram, taking him down.
Naveed Akram then reportedly returned fire before being neutralized.
The officer's actions helped end the attack and prevent further loss of life. Two on-duty officers were also injured during the response. NSW Premier Chris Minns and other officials have highlighted the heroism of police, who engaged rifle-armed terrorists with handguns.
The footage, widely circulated on social media with millions of views, has been verified by Australian media including the Sydney Morning Herald and matches official accounts of the police takedown.