‘Hero’ Bystander Wrestles Gun from Shooter During Terror Attack at Hanukkah Event

A man is being hailed as a hero after disarming one of the gunmen involved in the mass shooting at a Hanukkah event on Australia’s Bondi Beach.

At around 6:47 p.m. local time on Sunday, Dec. 14, two gunmen opened fire on the crowd in Archer Park at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said in a press conference.

At least 12 people were killed and 29 others were injured. One gunman died at the scene and a second shooter is in custody, confirmed Minns.

The “terrorist incident” occurred as the Jewish community gathered for the beach festival, Chanukah by the Sea, attended by many children and families, News.com.au reported.

One of the shooters has since been identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram from Sydney, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported. It has not been confirmed whether Akram is the suspect who was struck.

In witness footage obtained by The Daily Mail, a male bystander can be seen hiding behind a parked car near one of the gunmen. The unidentified man then rushes up to the shooter and wrestles him to the ground, before grabbing the firearm and aiming back at the gunmen.

“It’s the most unbelievable scene I’ve ever seen,” said Minns. “A man walking up to a gunman who had fired on the community and single-handedly disarming him, putting his own life at risk to save the lives of countless other people. That man is a genuine hero and I’ve got no doubt that there are many, many people alive tonight as a result of his bravery.”

New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon said during the press conference that the police are investigating whether a third gunman was involved. However, the police “cannot confirm there is a third offender.”

Lanyon revealed that the police recovered explosive devices linked to the gunmen from a vehicle at the scene.

“Shortly after the shooting occurred, police located a vehicle in Campbell Parade at Bondi, which we believe has several improvised explosive devices. We have our rescue bomb disposal unit over there working on that,” he said.

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“This attack was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah,” said Minns. “What should have been a night of peace and joy celebrated in that community with families and supporters has been shattered by this horrifying, evil attack. I can assure the community it will be met with a massive, comprehensive police and public order response.”

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement, per CNN, “We are aware of an active security situation in Bondi. We urge people in the vicinity to follow information from NSW Police.”