A young police officer who was shot in the head and lost the sight in one eye during the Bondi Beach terror attack has been discharged from hospital, allowing him to spend Christmas at home with his family.
Constable's Courage and Christmas Miracle
Probationary constable Jack Hibbert, aged 22, was shot twice on 14 December while patrolling a Chanukah event. The attack was carried out by two gunmen, a father and son. Despite his injuries, Constable Hibbert continued to assist members of the public until he collapsed.
After undergoing multiple surgeries, he tragically lost vision in one eye. His family confirmed his discharge on Tuesday, 23 December, describing it as a “miracle”.
“As a family, we couldn't ask for anything more,” they said in a statement. “Having our Jack home, especially for Christmas, truly feels like a miracle. We are deeply grateful for the overwhelming support, kind messages and well wishes from the community, Jack's colleagues, friends, and the emergency services.”
The constable had been in the job for just four months when the attack unfolded.
Second Officer's Progress and Legal Fallout
In a separate but positive development, another wounded officer has woken from a medically induced coma. New South Wales police constable Scott Dyson had been undergoing surgery “almost daily” following the attack.
“Our family would like to share that Scott has been getting stronger each day, and today, he was woken up for the first time,” his family said. “There is still a long way to go in his recovery, but this is a positive sign.”
The attack, which the government condemned as an act of terrorism, left at least 15 people dead and 40 injured. As of Tuesday, 12 victims remained in hospital, with four in a critical but stable condition.
Suspect Naveed Akram, 24, faces multiple murder charges and one terrorism charge. His 50-year-old father was shot dead by police at the scene. Akram was transferred from hospital to prison on Monday and is due to face a Sydney court again in the new year.
Government Response and New Laws
In the wake of the atrocity, the New South Wales government is moving swiftly to introduce tougher legislation. The state parliament’s upper house was expected to pass new laws on Tuesday, which will include:
- Tougher gun control measures.
- A ban on the display of terrorist symbols.
- New curbs on protests.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would address hate speech and gun control, working with states on new national laws. He apologised to Australian Jews and the broader community, acknowledging the anger directed towards him.
“I feel the weight of responsibility for an atrocity that happened whilst I'm prime minister,” Mr Albanese said. “And I'm sorry for what the Jewish community and our nation as a whole has experienced.”
