Francesca Gillettand
Anna Lamche
Dramatic dashcam footage reveals that a couple fatally shot at Bondi Beach attempted to disarm one of the suspected gunmen by seizing his weapon.
Boris Gurman, aged 69, and his wife Sofia, 61, bravely intervened to shield others before being shot, according to a statement from their family.
The footage depicts Mr. Gurman, a retiree, grappling with one of the assailants and taking possession of the gun, resulting in both of them tumbling onto the roadway.
Afterward, Mr. Gurman stands and seemingly strikes the attacker with the firearm, which is believed to have led the assailant to procure another weapon to fatally shoot them.
“While nothing can alleviate the anguish of losing Boris and Sofia, we are filled with immense pride for their courage and selflessness,” stated the couple’s family.
“This truly reflects who Boris and Sofia were – individuals who instinctively and selflessly sought to aid others.”
The Gurman couple, both of whom were Jewish, were the initial casualties of Sunday’s assault, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.
At least 15 victims have been confirmed deceased in the shooting, which took place during a gathering to celebrate the opening day of Hanukkah.
The family’s statement revealed that the couple had shared 34 years of marriage.
“We are devastated by the abrupt and senseless passing of our cherished Boris and Sofia Gurman.”
“Boris was a retired mechanic renowned for his generosity, quiet strength, and readiness to assist anyone in need.
“Sofia was employed at Australia Post and was deeply cherished by her peers and community.
“As Bondi locals, they led sincere, hardworking lives, extending kindness, warmth, and respect to all they encountered. Boris and Sofia were deeply committed to their family and to one another. They were the core of our family, and their absence has created an unfillable void.”
GoFundMeEyewitnesses have referred to Mr. Gurman as a hero.
The female owner of the dashcam footage informed Reuters news agency that Mr. Gurman “did not flee – rather, he charged directly into danger, exerting all his strength to wrest the gun away, fighting until the end”.
“I can see from my camera that the elderly gentleman was ultimately shot and fell. That moment shattered my heart,” she remarked.
Another individual who claimed to witness the occurrence stated to 9News: “He was a hero. He made an effort, he made an effort. We must inform his family.”
“Everyone must be aware of what he attempted, as it occurred right at the beginning. He put himself in the line of danger. Bullets were already flying, and he placed himself in the path of danger.”
Authorities have characterized the attack as a terrorist event aimed at the Jewish population.
The other deceased victims include a 10-year-old girl, a rabbi who was born in Britain, a retired police officer, and a Holocaust survivor.
The ages of the victims span from 10 to 87.
An additional 22 individuals are hospitalized, nine of whom are in critical condition.
Earlier this week, another bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed, aged 43, was also celebrated as a hero after he disarmed one of the assailants. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds but survived, undergoing surgery for his injuries.
His father informed BBC Arabic that his son acted based on his “conscience” and “witnessed the victims, the blood, women and children lying on the street, and then took action”.
Authorities have alleged that the assault was executed by Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram.
It appears they were driven by Islamic State (IS) ideology, and law enforcement discovered “homemade” IS flags and makeshift explosive devices in the vehicle associated with the suspects.
Sajid, who was found deceased at the scene, was originally from Hyderabad in India, according to an Indian police official.
The official informed BBC Telugu that Sajid Akram had “visited India six times since moving to Australia, chiefly for family-related matters like property issues and visits to his aging parents.
“It is understood that he did not return to India even during his father’s funeral,” the official continued. “The factors behind the radicalization of Sajid Akram and his son, Naveed, seemingly have no links to India or any local influence in Telangana.”
Reports from Australian outlets indicate that Naveed Akram has regained consciousness in the hospital after emerging from a coma.
Authorities stated that the duo traveled to the Philippines on November 1, and Australia’s immigration bureau confirmed a stay of four weeks. Investigators are currently probing the reason for their trip.
Unofficial media accounts suggest the suspects underwent “military-style training” while in Southeast Asia; however, the Philippine military has stated that there is currently “no substantiated verification” of this.
