New Footage Shows Bondi Couple Tried to Stop Gunmen in Opening Moments of Terror Attack Before Being Murdered

Dramatic footage has emerged showing Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia Gurman, 61, confronting gunmen in the opening moments of Sunday’s terror attack near Bondi Beach, as a shooting erupted during an event marking the first day of Hanukkah. The couple, Russian Jews and longtime Bondi locals, were shot during that initial encounter, according to family statements and media reports. Their actions were captured on dashcam video that has circulated widely since the attack.

The shooting unfolded near Bondi Beach during a public Hanukkah gathering. Authorities have identified the attackers as a father-and-son duo, Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24. The two arrived in a vehicle with an ISIS flag draped over the front windshield. At least 15 people have been confirmed dead, more than 38 were wounded, and 24 people remained hospitalized as of Tuesday afternoon. The attack is the deadliest mass shooting in Australia since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.

Dashcam footage from the scene shows Boris Gurman, wearing a purple shirt, charging toward Sajid Akram on Campbell Parade as the attacker emerged from the car. Boris appears to push Akram onto the road and wrestle a gun from his hands. Sofia Gurman is seen beside him, also involved in the confrontation, as the attack was just beginning.

Separate footage captured by a drone later shows the couple lying motionless together on the footpath, after the confrontation had ended.

In a statement provided to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Gurman family identified the couple and described the life they built together in the Bondi community. “We are heartbroken by the sudden and senseless loss of our beloved Boris and Sofia Gurman,” the family said. “They had been married for 34 years, with their 35th wedding anniversary approaching in January. We were looking forward to celebrating Sofia’s 62nd birthday on Wednesday 17th of December.”

The family said Boris was a retired mechanic, known for his generosity and quiet strength, while Sofia worked at Australia Post and was deeply loved by her colleagues and community.

“Bondi locals, together they lived honest, hard-working lives and treated everyone they met with kindness, warmth and respect,” the statement said. “Boris and Sofia were devoted to their family and to each other. They were the heart of our family, and their absence has left an immeasurable void.”

Addressing the footage of the confrontation, the family paid tribute to the couple’s actions in the face of terror. “In recent days, we have become aware of footage showing Boris, with Sofia by his side, courageously attempting to disarm an attacker in an effort to protect others,” the family said. “While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness. This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were — people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others.”

Independent witness testimony has reinforced that account. Jenny, the owner of the dashcam footage who shared it with Reuters, described the moment Boris confronted the gunman. “An elderly man by the roadside did not run away — instead, he charged straight toward the danger, using all his strength trying to wrestle away the gun and fighting to the death,” she said. “I can see from my camera that the elderly man was ultimately shot and collapsed. That moment broke my heart.”

Boris and Sofia Gurman were among those shot in the opening moments of the attack. In closing their statement, the family thanked the public for its support and asked for privacy as they mourn.

“We are deeply grateful for the love, compassion and support that has been shown to our family during this unimaginable time,” they said. “From here, we kindly ask for privacy as we grieve.”