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Couple killed in Bondi attack attempted to stop gunman
Dashcam video shows Boris Gurman, 69, wrestling with one of the alleged attackers before being fatally shot, his family has confirmed. Gurman and his wife Sofia, 61, were among the first victims in Sunday's mass shooting at a Hanukkah event.
Heroic intervention captured on camera
Footage from a passing vehicle shows Gurman grappling with a gunman in the street, managing to wrench the weapon away before both men collapse. Gurman briefly regains his footing and strikes the attacker with the firearm, but the assailant is believed to have retrieved a second gun and opened fire, killing the couple.
A witness who provided the video told Reuters Gurman "charged straight toward the danger" rather than fleeing. "That moment broke my heart," she said. Another bystander called him a "hero," describing how Gurman placed himself in harm's way as bullets flew.
Victims remembered as devoted and selfless
In a statement, the Gurman family said the couple had been married for 34 years and were deeply embedded in their Bondi community. Boris, a retired mechanic, was known for his generosity, while Sofia worked at Australia Post and was beloved by colleagues.
"While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness. This encapsulates who they were-people who instinctively tried to help others."
Family of Boris and Sofia Gurman
The couple, who were Jewish, were the first fatalities in the attack, which police have classified as a terrorist incident targeting the community.
Attack leaves 15 dead, dozens injured
Among the other victims were a 10-year-old girl, a British-born rabbi, a retired police officer, and an 87-year-old Holocaust survivor. Nine of the 22 people still hospitalized remain in critical condition.
Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, was also praised for his actions after he wrestled a gun from one of the attackers. Though shot multiple times, he survived and has since undergone surgery. His father told BBC Arabic his son acted on "conscience" after seeing women and children wounded in the street.
Police identify suspects, probe overseas links
Authorities allege the attack was carried out by Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed, 24. Sajid was found dead at the scene, while Naveed has regained consciousness after being hospitalized in a coma. Police say the pair traveled to the Philippines in November, where unconfirmed reports suggest they received "military-style training."
Investigators believe the suspects were motivated by Islamic State ideology. Homemade IS flags and improvised explosives were discovered in their vehicle, according to police.
Community mourns as details emerge
Local residents and officials continue to pay tribute to the victims, emphasizing their courage and the senseless nature of the violence. Funerals for the Gurmans and other victims are expected in the coming days.
