Hero Cop Who Stopped Bondi Beach Attack Identified
The police officer who fatally shot one of the gunmen in the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack has been named Detective Senior Constable Cesar Barraza, a veteran officer with New South Wales Police based in Bondi.
Barraza was among the first officers to respond as chaos erupted during Sunday evening’s Hanukkah by the Sea event. Two armed men opened fire on crowds near the beachfront, leaving 15 people dead and at least 42 injured, marking one of the deadliest mass shootings in Australian history.
Authorities say Barraza fired his weapon from a considerable distance, helping to end the rampage.
Extraordinary Long-Range Shot Under Review
Investigators report that Barraza aimed at suspects Sajid Akram, 50, and his son Naveed Akram, 24, from about 40 metres away. His shots reportedly killed Sajid and seriously wounded Naveed, who was later hospitalized in critical condition.
The incident is now under a critical incident investigation, standard whenever police use lethal force. Officials interviewed Barraza on Wednesday and continue to examine body-worn camera footage, ballistic evidence, and police radio communications.
While Barraza is believed to have fired the fatal shot, forensic analysis will ultimately determine which officer’s weapon killed Sajid Akram.
‘Shot of a Lifetime’ Earns Praise
Law enforcement sources have described Barraza’s response as the “shot of a lifetime.” He used a standard-issue Glock pistol, typically effective at shorter ranges.
After arriving near Bondi Pavilion, Barraza took cover behind a tree and aimed at a footbridge where the gunmen positioned themselves. Experts call his accuracy remarkable, considering the distance, minimal cover, and the fast-moving threat.
Barraza has served 16 years with NSW Police, previously worked in the cybercrime squad, and appeared early in his career on the reality show Recruits.
Officers Seriously Injured
Two other officers were seriously hurt during the attack. Constable Jack Hibbert and Constable Scott Dyson remain hospitalized.
Hibbert’s family confirmed he underwent multiple surgeries and lost vision in one eye after being struck while pulling civilians to safety. Dyson, a former elite water polo athlete for Australia, was shot in the shoulder and abdomen and continues treatment.
Both officers have been praised for running toward danger as the public fled.
Attackers and Motives
Police say Sajid and Naveed Akram arrived shortly before 6:40 PM in a silver Hyundai Elantra, armed with rifles and ammunition. From a bridge overlooking the beach, they opened fire on crowds celebrating the first night of Hanukkah.
Sajid Akram died at the scene, while Naveed spent two days in a coma before regaining consciousness under police guard.
Investigators confirmed the pair recently traveled overseas, including a visit to the Philippines. Authorities are examining this as part of broader counterterrorism inquiries.
The investigation into the attack, police response, and potential extremist links remains ongoing.
