Young Cop’s Brave Nightmare: 22-Year-Old Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert Shot Twice in Horror Bondi Beach Attack
- Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, just 22, was shot twice while responding to the mass shooting in Bondi Beach, losing vision in one eye and facing a ‘long and challenging recovery’
- The brave officer, with only four months of service, was hailed as a hero for his ‘courage, instinct, and selflessness’ in the face of danger, despite his devastating injuries
- Constable Hibbert’s family has paid tribute to his colleagues who visited him in hospital, saying they described his bravery during the incident, revealing how he ‘moved toward people in need, not away from danger’
In a heart-stopping moment, Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert was shot twice while fearlessly responding to the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach, leaving him with life-altering injuries. The 22-year-old rookie cop, with a mere four months of service, was patrolling the Chanukah by the Sea event on Sunday when he was brutally ambushed by gunmen Sajid and Naveed Akram.
His family has revealed that Constable Hibbert underwent multiple surgeries in the ICU, where he was intubated, and now faces a daunting road to recovery. In a statement, they said: “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.”
Despite his tender age and short time on the force, Constable Hibbert demonstrated extraordinary bravery, responding to the attack with “courage, instinct, and selflessness”. His family proudly declared: “Jack is just 22 years old and has only been in the police force for four months. 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.”
Constable Hibbert’s loved ones have also expressed their gratitude to his colleagues who have visited him in hospital, saying: “Many of his colleagues who were present on the night of the incident have visited in hospital and given testaments to Jack’s bravery during the incident, describing his devotion to his community.”
Meanwhile, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon has confirmed that gunman Naveed Akram is expected to be charged today, following his emergence from a coma on Tuesday. Commissioner Lanyon defended the use of handguns by police, citing their suitability for operational officers.
As the community continues to reel from the horror of the Bondi Beach attack, the bravery and sacrifice of Constable Jack Hibbert serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration.