Struggle Captured on Dashcam... Couple Sacrificed While Trying to Disarm Shooter
Witnesses and Family: "Heroes Who Did Not Hesitate in the Face of Danger"
It has been revealed that a couple in their 60s lost their lives while trying to stop a shooter during a mass shooting incident at a Jewish festival held at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Footage from a nearby vehicle's dashcam captured the moment when they physically confronted the gunman to protect other citizens.
According to reports from the BBC and other foreign media outlets on December 16 (local time), Boris German (69) and his wife Sophia German (61) were shot and killed while attempting to stop the gunman at the Hanukkah festival held at Bondi Beach in Sydney. The bereaved family stated, "Both acted bravely to protect others."
The incident occurred on the evening of December 14 at Bondi Beach. Sajid Akram (50) and his son Naveed Akram (24) opened fire, resulting in a total of 15 casualties.
Dashcam footage from a vehicle near the scene shows Boris wrestling with one of the shooters and attempting to take away the firearm. The couple then fell onto the road together, and Boris was seen getting up and apparently striking the shooter with the gun. However, it is believed that the shooter used another firearm to kill both of them.
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The bereaved family said, "Nothing can ease the pain of losing Boris and Sophia, but we are proud of their courage and selflessness," adding, "This incident truly shows who they were." They continued, "They instinctively and selflessly helped others."
A scene mourning the victims of the shooting incident that occurred during a Jewish event held at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News Agency
Witnesses also remembered the couple as "heroes." A woman who provided the dashcam footage told Reuters, "Mr. German did not run away but ran toward danger and tried to take the gun until the end," adding, "He fought to the very last moment, risking his life." Another witness told Australia 9 News, "Even as bullets were flying, they threw themselves into danger."
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the German couple were the first two victims to lose their lives in the tragedy. The couple had just celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary and were planning to mark their 35th anniversary in January next year.
Boris, a retired mechanic, was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, while Sophia worked at Australia Post and was deeply trusted by her colleagues and the local community.
The bereaved family said, "As residents of the Bondi area, they lived honest and sincere lives together, treating everyone they met with kindness and respect," adding, "Their absence has left an immeasurable void."
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