A police officer critically injured in the Bondi Beach terror attack has woken from a medically induced coma, offering his family a Christmas miracle after enduring a harrowing ordeal.
Daily Surgeries and a Long Road to Recovery
New South Wales Police Constable Scott Dyson has been brought out of his coma, his family confirmed. He had been placed in the induced state due to severe injuries sustained when alleged gunmen opened fire on a crowd at Sydney's iconic Archer Park on December 14.
In a statement, his loved ones revealed the extent of his treatment, stating he had been forced to undergo surgery 'almost daily' since the atrocity. "Our family would like to share that Scott has been getting stronger each day, and today, he was woken up for the first time," they said.
"There is still a long way to go in his recovery, but this is a positive sign. We would like to thank the public for the support, messages and well wishes shown to Scott and our family during this difficult time."
The Bondi Beach Attack and Its Alleged Perpetrators
Constable Dyson was one of two officers wounded in the attack, which killed 15 people and injured dozens more. Investigators allege that Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, opened fire on a crowd of over 1,000 people celebrating a Jewish festival.
Court documents state the pair also allegedly threw three pipe bombs and a 'tennis ball' explosive device at the crowd. The devices were reportedly 'viable' but did not explode. Sajid Akram was shot dead by police at the scene.
Naveed Akram now faces 15 murder charges and one terrorism charge. Police have said the pair recorded a video manifesto in October, filmed in front of an Islamic State group flag.
A Second Officer's Courage and Injury
The other injured officer, probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, 22, has been discharged from hospital. However, his family confirmed he may lose the sight in one eye due to his injuries.
Hibbert, who had only been in the police force for four months, was shot twice—once in the head and once in the shoulder—while patrolling Bondi. In a statement released by police last week, his family said he "responded with courage, instinct, and selflessness, continuing to protect and help others whilst injured."
"While he is home, he is still recovering and will need space, support, and continued positive thoughts during this time," they added. "As a family, we couldn't ask for anything more - having our Jack home, especially for Christmas, truly feels like a miracle."
Ongoing Aftermath and Hospitalisations
According to NSW Health, 12 patients remain in hospital receiving care in the aftermath of the attack. Of those, four are in a stable but critical condition.
The waking of Constable Scott Dyson provides a beacon of hope amidst the tragedy, as the community and the injured continue on their difficult paths to recovery.
