Dashcam Footage Shows Couple Tried to Stop Gunman Before Being Killed in Bondi Attack

Newly surfaced dashcam footage shows a couple fatally shot during the Bondi Beach attack attempting to stop a gunman by physically intervening. As investigators continue to examine the circumstances and motive behind the attack, the actions of victims and bystanders have drawn national attention for their courage.

Bondi attack dashcam captures moments before couple is killed

Dashcam footage has emerged showing a married couple attempting to stop a gunman moments before they were fatally shot during the Bondi Beach attack in Sydney. The video, reviewed by investigators and shared with media, shows the pair confronting one of the alleged attackers in an effort to protect others.

Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia Gurman, 61, were the first two people killed in Sunday’s attack, according to Australian media. Family members said the couple acted instinctively and selflessly, stepping into danger as shots were already being fired nearby.

The attack occurred during a public gathering marking the first day of Hanukkah, a Jewish festival, and has since been described by police as a targeted terrorist incident.

Footage shows struggle with alleged gunman

The dashcam video shows Boris Gurman grappling with one of the alleged attackers and managing to take control of the weapon. The two men fall onto the road during the struggle, before Mr Gurman stands up and appears to strike the attacker with the gun.

Investigators believe the attacker then retrieved another firearm and opened fire, killing both Boris and Sofia Gurman. The sequence has not been released publicly in full, but descriptions provided by witnesses and media have underscored the intensity of the confrontation.

The owner of the dashcam footage told Reuters that Mr Gurman did not attempt to flee, despite clear danger.

“He did not run away — instead, he charged straight toward the danger, using all his strength trying to wrestle away the gun and fighting to the death,” she said.

Family remembers courage and character

In a statement, the Gurman family said they were devastated by the loss but proud of the couple’s actions.

“While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness,” the statement said. “This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were — people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others.”

The family said the couple had been married for 34 years and were deeply rooted in the Bondi community. Boris was a retired mechanic, remembered for his generosity and willingness to help others, while Sofia worked for Australia Post and was widely respected by colleagues.

“They lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone they met with kindness, warmth and respect,” the family said.

Witnesses describe ‘heroic’ actions

Several witnesses described Mr Gurman as a hero who acted without hesitation. Another bystander told Australia’s 9News that the couple intervened at the very beginning of the attack.

“He was a hero. He tried. We need to let his family know,” the witness said. “There were bullets flying already, and he put himself in the face of danger.”

The dashcam owner said the moment Mr Gurman collapsed after being shot was deeply distressing.

“That moment broke my heart,” she said.

Police have not disputed the sequence described by witnesses and confirmed that dashcam footage forms part of their ongoing investigation.

Scale of the attack and victims

At least 15 people have been confirmed dead in the attack, with victims ranging in age from 10 to 87. Authorities said a further 22 people remain hospitalized, nine of them in critical condition.

Among those killed were a 10-year-old girl, a British-born rabbi, a retired police officer, and a Holocaust survivor. Police said the attack has deeply shaken Australia’s Jewish community and prompted heightened security measures nationwide.

Community leaders and public officials have condemned the violence, calling it one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in recent Australian history.

Another bystander credited with saving lives

Authorities have also highlighted the actions of another bystander, Ahmed al Ahmed, 43, who survived after intervening during the attack. Police said he wrestled a firearm away from one of the alleged attackers and was shot multiple times before collapsing.

Mr al Ahmed has since undergone surgery and remains in recovery. His father told BBC Arabic that his son acted out of conscience.

“He saw the victims, the blood, women and children lying on the street, and then acted,” he said.

Police said Mr al Ahmed’s actions likely prevented further casualties.

Investigation focuses on suspects and motive

Police allege the attack was carried out by Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid Akram was found dead at the scene, while Naveed Akram was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Australian media have reported that Naveed Akram has since regained consciousness, though police have not provided detailed updates on his condition.

Authorities said the pair had travelled to the Philippines in the weeks before the attack. The country’s immigration bureau confirmed that they arrived on November 1 and departed on November 28. Investigators are examining the purpose of the trip.

Unconfirmed media reports have suggested the suspects may have received military-style training while in Southeast Asia. Police have said these claims are being examined but stressed that no such details have been formally established.

Links to extremist ideology under investigation

Police said the suspects appeared to have been motivated by Islamic State ideology. Officers reported finding homemade IS flags and improvised explosive devices in the vehicle used by the attackers.

Counterterrorism units are continuing to assess whether the suspects acted alone or had support networks, while also reviewing online activity and travel records.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid speculation as the investigation remains active.

Community impact and national response

The Bondi attack has prompted an outpouring of grief across Australia, with vigils held in Sydney and other cities. Jewish community leaders said the attack has heightened concerns about antisemitism and security at public events.

Federal and state officials have pledged support for affected families and communities, while police presence has been increased around religious sites.

As the investigation continues, the actions of victims like Boris and Sofia Gurman, and survivors such as Ahmed al Ahmed, have come to symbolize both the tragedy and the human courage displayed during the attack.