Bondi Beach cop left blind in a single eye after ‘miraculous’ restoration from being shot in head
Jack Hibbert, 22, was shot in the head and shoulder during the terror attack at Sydney’s Bondi Beach, with the probationary officer now facing a long and challenging recovery
A trainee constable had to be rushed to intensive care after being shot in the head during the Bondi Beach terror attack, police have revealed.
Australian authorities confirmed that Jack Hibbert sustained “severe injuries” during Sunday’s shocking shooting at Sydney’s famous Bondi Beach.
New South Wales (NSW) Police have praised his courageous conduct whilst on patrol, reports the Mirror..
An NSW Police spokesman provided details of Hibbert’s serious wounds in a statement. “Jack Hibbert was shot while carrying out his duties as a police officer at Bondi Beach,” an NSW Police spokesman said.
“While serving and protecting the community, Jack sustained two bullet wounds – one to his head and another to his shoulder. Jack was on duty, patrolling the Hanukkah celebration interacting with the community at Bondi Beach, when the incident first occurred.”
Hibbert was rushed to hospital by paramedics and placed in Intensive Care. He has since had several operations, with NSW Police calling his survival “miraculous”.
“Jack was taken to ICU where he was intubated and underwent multiple surgeries,” an NSW Police spokesman confirmed.
“Although miraculously surviving, Jack’s injuries have resulted in a loss of vision in one of his eyes and he now faces a long and challenging recovery ahead, with additional surgeries required.”
Jack Hibbert, 22, had only been employed by NSW Police for four months when Sunday’s horrific terror assault took place. New South Wales Police commended Hibbert for his bravery amidst the terrifying ordeal, stating: “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.
“Jack was simply doing his job – a job he deeply loves – driven by a commitment to protect the community, even at great personal cost.
“Many of his colleagues who were present on the night of the incident have visited him in hospital and given testaments to Jack’s bravery during the incident, describing his dedication to his community. They described how Jack acted, he moved toward people in need, not away from danger, and continued helping others while seriously injured.”
The Hibbert family are said to be “beyond grateful” for the support provided by NSW Police and the staff at the Sydney Hospital where Jack was admitted.
“We thank the wider community for their kindness, support, and prayers for Jack and our family during this difficult time,” they expressed in a family statement. “We ask all to respect our privacy as we move through these next stages to support Jack and all his needs to a full recovery.”
A horrifying attack left 15 innocent people dead when father and son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram, armed with what police referred to as “long guns”, allegedly unleashed a hail of bullets on over 1,000 attendees of a Jewish festival in the Archer Park area of the popular beach at 6.47pm local time on Sunday.
New South Wales Health reported that as of Tuesday afternoon, 25 individuals are still hospitalised, with six in a critical state. Sajid Akram, 50, was fatally shot by police at the scene, while 24 year old Naveed is anticipated to recover from his injuries and face criminal charges, according to the police.
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