The police officer who ended a terror attack on Sydney's Bondi Beach, killing one alleged gunman and wounding another, has been identified as Detective Senior Constable Cesar Barraza. The shooting unfolded on Sunday night as crowds gathered to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah.
The Critical Response That Stopped the Attack
Father and son Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly plunged the iconic beachfront into chaos when they opened fire on the celebration. The incident concluded after Detective Senior Constable Cesar "Cess" Barraza engaged the pair from a distance of approximately 40 metres.
Footage from the scene shows Barraza, dressed in a blue shirt and tie, taking cover behind a tree and facing the footbridge where the alleged gunmen were positioned. It is believed his shots resulted in the death of Sajid Akram, while Naveed Akram was shot and fell to the ground.
A source told the Daily Telegraph that the second shot, which struck Naveed Akram, has "astounded firearms experts." A formal ballistics review is underway as part of the investigation into the police response, which is expected to confirm whether Barraza's bullets struck both alleged attackers.
Barraza is a Bondi-based detective with more than 15 years of experience in the NSW Police Force. He previously appeared on the reality television series Recruits, where a younger Barraza stated his motivation for joining the force: "I want to be a police officer because I hate crime."
Officers Face Long and Challenging Recovery
Two other police officers sustained critical injuries during the confrontation and now face a gruelling path to recovery.
Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, 22, who had been in the police force for just four months, was shot in the head and shoulder while patrolling the Hanukkah event. He has lost vision in one eye, has been intubated, and has undergone multiple surgeries.
His family said he faces a "long and challenging" recovery, praising his courage and selflessness. "Jack was simply doing his job — a job he deeply loves — driven by a commitment to protect the community, even at great personal cost," they said in a statement.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon visited Hibbert and assured him of the force's full support, promising to find appropriate duties for him based on his eventual capacity.
Constable Scott Dyson was also rushed to hospital after being shot in the shoulder and stomach. One of the first officers on the scene, Dyson was critically injured and remains in intensive care in a serious but stable condition.
Dyson, who graduated in June last year and has been with the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command for 18 months, had only recently learned he is going to become a father. A Police Legacy fundraising page describes him as "one of the nicest guys around."
Community Support for Injured Heroes
The NSW Police Legacy has established fundraising portals to support Constable Hibbert and Constable Dyson and their families during their recovery. The funds are intended to help with medical costs and rebuilding their lives after the traumatic incident.
The attack has sent shockwaves through the Bondi community and across Sydney, highlighting the dangers police officers face daily. The investigation into the motives behind the alleged attack and the full police response continues.
