News

Police officer, 22, shot in Bondi Beach terror attack while protecting others, loses sight in 1 eye

He joined the Australian police force four months ago.

clock

December 18, 2025, 12:13 PM

Telegram

Whatsapp

A 22-year-old probationary police officer was shot in the head and shoulder while protecting civilians during a deadly mass shooting at Sydney's Bondi Beach on Dec. 14, 2025.

The police officer, Jack Hibbert, survived his injuries, but he lost sight in one of his eyes, said Hibbert's family in a statement issued by the New South Wales (NSW) Police Force.

New to police force

According to Hibbert's family, he had only been in the NSW police force for four months when the mass shooting occurred.

"Even so, in the face of a violent and tragic incident, he responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness, continuing to protect and help others whilst injured, until he was physically no longer able to," read the statement.

For his injuries, Hibbert was taken to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he was intubated and underwent multiple surgeries.

Besides losing his vision in one eye, Hibbert is also facing "a long and challenging recovery ahead" and requires additional surgeries.

The New South Wales Police Legacy had set up a fundraiser to support Hibbert and his family.

As of Dec. 18, over AU$353,000 (S$300,932) had been raised.

Deadliest mass shooting in Australia in almost 30 years

The Dec. 14 attack was said to be the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since 1996.

According to New South Wales authorities, the incident claimed the lives of 15 civilians and injured another 42.

Amongst the victims were a 10-year-old girl and 87-year-old Alexander Kleytman, a Holocaust survivor and a Rabbi, reported the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

The two gunmen had since been identified as Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24.

Sajid was shot dead by the police during a gunfire exchange at the scene, while Naveed was hospitalised under police supervision.

On Dec. 17, ABC reported that Naveed had been handed 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and one count of committing a terrorist act.

If convicted, Naveed could face life imprisonment.

Related stories

Top images via NSW Police Force & UNCOVERREPORT/X

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Telegram to get the latest updates.

  • image
  • image
  • image
  • image

MORE STORIES

Events