New Footage Shows Bystanders Fighting Gunman Moments Before Bondi Beach Attack

SYDNEY — Newly released dashcam and video footage shows two bystanders confronting one of the gunmen moments before Sunday’s deadly antisemitic terror attack at Bondi Beach, highlighting additional acts of civilian bravery as authorities continue to piece together how the massacre unfolded.

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The footage, made public Tuesday, captures a man and woman attempting to stop the attacker as he emerged armed from a car on Campbell Parade, just prior to the shooting at the “Hanukkah by the Sea” celebration that left 15 people dead and dozens injured.

Video shows the pair rushing toward the suspect, identified by police as Sajid Akram, grappling with him and forcing his rifle away. At one point, the male bystander is seen using the weapon in an attempt to fend off the attacker. An Islamic State flag is visible draped across the front windscreen of the gunman’s vehicle.

Authorities said both bystanders were later shot and killed during the confrontation. Their identities have not yet been publicly released. Investigators believe they were among the first victims of the attack.

Additional footage recorded after the incident shows the couple lying together on the pavement. Police have confirmed they died at the scene.

Officials said the gunman was shot dead by police during the response. His son, identified as 24-year-old Naveed Akram, remains hospitalized in critical condition under police guard.

The release of the footage comes as public attention has focused on the actions of multiple civilians who attempted to intervene during the attack, including other bystanders and first responders who rushed toward danger to help victims.

Authorities have described the shooting as a targeted act of terrorism inspired by Islamic State ideology. Security has since been increased around Jewish institutions nationwide, and the investigation into the attack remains ongoing.