In a harrowing act of courage, an elderly couple attempted to disarm a gunman during the Bondi Beach attack, as captured in newly released dashcam footage. The video shows the final, brave moments of Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife, Sofia Gurman, 61, as they confronted the assailant, Sajid Akram.
A Desperate Struggle Captured on Camera
The dramatic footage reveals Boris Gurman slowly approaching the gunman before tackling him. His wife, Sofia, quickly joined the struggle in an effort to help her husband. During the scuffle, the initial firearm was knocked out of Akram's hand. However, in a tragic turn, the assailant reportedly managed to access another weapon. Both Boris and Sofia Gurman were shot and killed during their heroic attempt to stop the attack.
Nation Mourns and Hails Heroes
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly honored the couple, bestowing upon them the title of "Australian heroes." In a statement, he paid tribute to their selfless actions. "I pay tribute to Boris and Sofia Gurman. Boris attacked one of these terrorists as he got out of the car," Albanese said, acknowledging that their intervention cost them their lives.
The Gurman family issued a heartfelt statement, expressing immense pride amidst their profound grief. "In recent days, we have become aware of footage showing Boris, with Sofia by his side, courageously attempting to disarm an attacker in an effort to protect others," the family shared. They added, "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 Boris and Sofia were -- people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others."
Another Act of Bravery Follows
The dashcam video also captured the subsequent actions of another bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed. Seen ducking in the parking lot, Ahmed slowly approached Akram after the initial confrontation and successfully wrested the gun from the assailant's hand. Ahmed, a fruit seller, was shot multiple times in the shoulder during his brave act but survived.
Prime Minister Albanese later visited Ahmed in the hospital, sharing a video of their meeting. He thanked Ahmed personally, calling him an Australian hero. "Ahmed, you are an Australian hero," Albanese wrote. "On behalf of every Australian, I say thank you." The nation continues to reel from the attack while celebrating the extraordinary courage shown by ordinary citizens in the face of terror.
