Dashcam footage released on Tuesday has shown the final moments of a couple who confronted one of the gunmen during the Bondi Beach shooting. Boris and Sofia Gurman attempted to stop the attacker as the violence unfolded, before both were fatally shot during the terror attack.
Dashcam footage captures first moments of Bondi terror attack
The dashcam footage, filmed by a passing motorist, shows Boris Gurman stepping toward one of the gunmen on Campbell Parade. The video captures him wrestling with the attacker and managing to seize a firearm before they both fell onto the roadway.
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Sofia Gurman remained close during the confrontation. Police said the attacker then used another weapon to shoot and kill the couple. The footage surfaced as authorities continued reconstructing the early moments of the Bondi Beach terror attack.
The video spread rapidly online on Tuesday, drawing strong reactions across social media. Several users shared posts describing the couple’s actions as brave, while officials urged caution around sharing distressing material.
Boris and Sofia Gurman were identified as the first victims
The victims were later identified as Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife, Sofia Gurman, 61. Their family confirmed their identities in a statement released to Australian media.
The family said the couple had been married for 34 years and were approaching their 35th wedding anniversary in January. They were also planning to celebrate Sofia Gurman’s 62nd birthday later this week.
Relatives said they became aware of footage showing the couple attempting to disarm the attacker. They said the actions reflected the way Boris and Sofia lived their lives, stepping in to help others without hesitation.
First fatalities in Australia’s worst mass shooting in decades
Police confirmed the Gurmans were the first people killed in the Bondi Beach shooting. The attack began around 6:45 pm local time during a Hanukkah celebration near the Bondi Pavilion.
Fifteen people were killed during the shooting, with dozens more wounded. Authorities said around 1,000 people were attending the event when gunfire broke out.
The attack has been described as Australia’s deadliest mass shooting in nearly 30 years. Drone footage taken later showed the couple lying motionless together near the road where the attack began.
Police confirm Islamic State-inspired terror attack
Australia’s Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said on Tuesday that the Bondi Beach shooting was a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State ideology. It marked the first official confirmation of the suspected motive.
Police identified the attackers as father and son, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene, while his son remains in hospital under police guard.
Barrett said investigators believe the attackers coordinated their actions and targeted civilians deliberately. She said the suspects appeared focused only on increasing the number of victims.
Explosives and extremist material were found in the suspect vehicle
New South Wales Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that a vehicle linked to the younger suspect was removed from the scene. He said the car contained improvised explosive devices.
Lanyon also confirmed that two homemade Islamic State flags were found inside the vehicle. The discovery added weight to the terrorism assessment announced by federal authorities.
Investigators said the suspects travelled to the Philippines last month. Immigration officials confirmed they entered the country between 1 and 28 November, listing Davao as their destination. Police said the purpose of the trip remains under investigation.
Bondi Beach memorial grows as community mourns
Floral tributes have continued to grow near the Bondi Pavilion as mourners gather to remember the victims. Candles, handwritten notes, and flowers now line the beachfront walkway.
Floral tributes and candles line the walkway near Bondi Pavilion as mourners honour the victims
Colleagues of Sofia Gurman from Australia Post attended the memorial on Tuesday. They arrived together in uniform and placed white roses beside messages of condolence.
Several posts on X, formerly Twitter, shared condolences for the Gurman family. Others praised bystanders who attempted to intervene during the attack, including footage shared widely online.
Government moves toward stricter gun laws
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and several state leaders said Australia’s gun laws would be reviewed following the Bondi terror attack. The changes could be the most extensive since reforms were introduced after the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
It emerged that Sajid Akram had legally acquired several firearms. Albanese said this raised serious concerns about licensing systems and monitoring processes.
Barrett said public anger and grief were understandable as new details emerged. She said authorities remained focused on prevention, accountability, and support for victims’ families.
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Investigation continues as families seek privacy
Police said the investigation into the Bondi Beach shooting remains active. Authorities are examining digital records, travel movements, and recovered materials linked to the suspects.
Families of the victims have asked for privacy as they mourn. Statements released through media outlets thanked the public for support while acknowledging the scale of the loss.
As Australia reflects on the attack, the actions of Boris and Sofia Gurman remain central to public memory. Their final moments, captured on dashcam footage, continue to shape how the Bondi terror attack is understood.
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