Shocking dashcam footage from the deadly Bondi Beach shooting in Australia has revealed the extraordinary bravery of an elderly couple who tried to stop the attacker by snatching his gun, even at the cost of their own lives.
The couple, 69-year-old Boris Gurman and his 61-year-old wife Sofia, were among the first victims of the terror attack. New video evidence shows Boris physically confronting the gunman, attempting to disarm him in a desperate effort to protect others nearby.
A Brave Act Caught on Camera
The newly surfaced dashcam footage shows Boris Gurman wrestling with an armed attacker on a public road near Bondi Beach. During the struggle, Boris manages to grab the gun from the assailant, and both he and Sofia fall to the ground.
Moments later, Boris is seen standing up and using the seized weapon against the attacker. However, investigators believe the gunman had a second firearm, which he then used to shoot and kill both Boris and Sofia.
According to the family, the couple’s actions likely helped prevent even more casualties.
“Nothing can ease the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, but we are incredibly proud of their courage and selflessness,” the family said in a statement.
‘They Were Heroes’: Family and Witnesses Pay Tribute
Boris and Sofia had been married for 34 years and were preparing to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in January. They were long-time residents of Bondi and well known in their community.
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Boris Gurman was a retired mechanic, remembered for his patience, kindness, and willingness to help anyone in need.
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Sofia Gurman worked at Australia Post and was deeply loved by her colleagues and neighbors.
Their family described them as people who lived honest, hardworking lives and treated everyone with warmth, dignity, and respect.
Witnesses at the scene called Boris a hero, saying he didn’t run away when the shooting began.
A woman whose dashcam captured the incident told reporters that Boris ran towards the danger, not away from it.
“He put everything on the line. Watching him fall was heartbreaking,” she said.
Another eyewitness told local media, “People need to know what he tried to do. He sacrificed himself while bullets were flying.”
A Terror Attack Targeting the Jewish Community
Australian police have described the Bondi Beach shooting as a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community. The attack took place during an event marking the first day of Hanukkah.
So far, authorities have confirmed:
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At least 15 people were killed
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Victims ranged in age from 10 to 87 years
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22 people were injured, with nine in critical condition
Among the victims were:
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A 10-year-old girl
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A UK-born rabbi
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A retired police officer
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A Holocaust survivor
Another Civilian Also Tried to Stop the Gunman
Earlier this week, 43-year-old Ahmed Al Ahmed was also hailed as a hero after attempting to disarm one of the attackers. He was shot multiple times but survived and is currently recovering after surgery.
His father told BBC Arabic that his son acted out of conscience after seeing women, children, and injured people lying on the street.
Who Were the Attackers?
Police have identified the attackers as:
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Sajid Akram (50)
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His son Naved Akram (24)
Authorities say the two were inspired by Islamic State (IS) ideology. Investigators found homemade IS flags and explosives inside their vehicle.
Sajid Akram was found dead at the scene. According to Indian police sources, he was originally from Hyderabad, India, and had traveled between India and Australia several times for family and property-related reasons.
Officials stated there is no evidence linking his radicalization to any local influence in India or Telangana.
Naved Akram has reportedly regained consciousness in hospital, and police are continuing their investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and International Concerns
Authorities confirmed that the father and son had traveled to the Philippines on November 1 and stayed there for four weeks. Investigators are now examining whether they received any form of training during this period.
Unconfirmed reports suggested possible “military-style training,” but the Philippine military has stated that there is no official confirmation so far.
A Legacy of Courage Amid Tragedy
The actions of Boris and Sofia Gurman stand out as a powerful reminder of human courage in the face of terror. Despite knowing the danger, they chose to act—trying to protect strangers and stop further bloodshed.
Their story has deeply moved people across Australia and beyond, turning grief into admiration and respect.
They did not survive—but their bravery will not be forgotten.
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