A police officer who sustained severe injuries in the Bondi terror attack has regained consciousness from a medically induced coma, according to his family. Constable Scott Dyson, one of the two officers critically injured, was shot while confronting two gunmen who opened fire at a Jewish Hanukkah celebration on December 14. The 25-year-old underwent frequent surgeries during his recovery.
The accused gunman, Naveed Akram, 24, along with his father Sajid, 50, who was fatally shot by police at the scene, allegedly targeted a crowd of over 1,000 people at Sydney’s Archer Park. The attack resulted in the death of 15 individuals, including a 10-year-old girl, with many others sustaining injuries.
In a recent statement, Mr. Dyson’s family expressed gratitude for the ongoing support and well wishes received while updating on his progress. Another young officer, Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, 22, who lost vision in one eye from the attack, has been discharged from the hospital. He was shot twice while attempting to apprehend the gunmen during the Chanukah by the Sea event.
Hero Ahmed al Ahmed, 44, who courageously tackled and disarmed one of the gunmen, is still recovering in the hospital after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the attack as an act of antisemitism and terrorism, pledging to enhance the nation’s gun laws. He indicated that the incident seemed to be influenced by Islamic State (IS) ideology, citing the discovery of IS flags in the alleged shooters’ vehicle.
As per New South Wales Health, 12 patients are currently receiving medical care following the attack, with four in stable but critical condition. Naveed Akram faces multiple charges, including 15 counts of murder, one terrorism charge, and other offenses related to attempted murder and terrorism symbols.
After emerging from the coma, Akram was transferred from the hospital to prison and is scheduled to appear in a Sydney court in the coming year. The tragic event, described as Australia’s deadliest in nearly 30 years, sparked global condemnation and initiatives by the government to bolster gun regulations and combat hate speech.