"He Moved Toward People in Need"
The Cost of Courage: Young Sydney Policeman Loses Eye After Being Shot in Hanukkah Massacre
Heroic rookie officer Jack Hibbert is facing a lifetime of recovery after being shot in the head while defending a Hanukkah celebration from terrorists, a sacrifice that cost him his vision but saved countless lives.
Courage Under Fire
On Sunday evening, Jack Hibbert was patrolling the "Hanukkah by the Sea" celebration, interacting with families and community members, when the peace was shattered by gunfire. Two terrorists, identified as Sajid and Naveed Akram, opened fire on the crowd with long-range rifles. Despite having only recently joined the New South Wales Police Force, Hibbert did not hesitate to run toward the danger.
Hibbert was struck by two bullets, one to his head and another to his shoulder. Even after sustaining these devastating injuries, witnesses and colleagues reported that the young officer continued to help those around him and provide protection until he was physically unable to continue. His family released a statement on Wednesday describing his actions as being driven by a "commitment to protect the community, even at great personal cost."
A Challenging Road to Recovery
Following the attack, Hibbert was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit, where he was intubated and underwent several emergency surgeries. While he has miraculously survived the gunshot to his head, the family confirmed that the injuries have resulted in a permanent loss of vision in one of his eyes.
"Jack is just 22 years old and has only been in the police force for four months. Even so, in the face of a violent and tragic incident, he responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness," his family stated. They added that he now faces a "long and challenging recovery ahead," with additional surgeries required to address the damage from the high-velocity rounds.
Honoring a Young Protector
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon visited Hibbert in the hospital, describing him as a "really positive young man" who has the full backing of the agency. His colleagues, many of whom were present during the chaos of the Sydney massacre, have also visited his bedside to offer testaments to his bravery.
Hibbert was one of two officers shot during the engagement with the terrorists, who killed 15 people before one was shot dead and the other disabled by police fire. As Australia mourns the victims of this antisemitic war, the story of Hibbert’s sacrifice stands as a testament to the bravery of those who stand between the public and the extremist threat of Hamas terrorists and their supporters. The wider community has been urged to keep Jack and his family in their prayers as he begins the grueling process of rehabilitation.