After Bondi Horror, Australia Moves to Honor Heroes Who Ran Toward the Gunfire

FOX News, CBS News, and Politico contributed to this report.

As Australia reels from its deadliest mass shooting in nearly three decades, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the country needs to formally recognize the people who put their own lives on the line when terror struck.

On Thursday, Albanese announced plans to create a national bravery honor for civilians and first responders who rushed into danger during the Dec. 14 antisemitic terror attack at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney. Fifteen people were killed in what authorities have described as an ISIS-inspired assault aimed at Australia’s Jewish community.

Speaking during the Christmas holiday, Albanese said the season had been defined by a stark contrast – between extremist violence and extraordinary courage.

“This Christmas is a different one because of the anti-terror and the terrorist attack motivated by ISIS and antisemitism,” Albanese said. “But at the same time, as we have seen the worst of humanity, we have seen the bravery and kindness and compassion … from those who rushed to danger.”

The proposed honor would be folded into Australia’s existing Honors and Awards system and would recognize people nominated for bravery or meritorious service specifically tied to the attack and its aftermath.

One of the most visible acts of heroism came from Ahmed al Ahmed, a Syrian-born Australian Muslim shop owner who was caught on video tackling one of the gunmen from behind and ripping the rifle out of his hands. He was shot multiple times during the struggle and faces months of recovery.

Albanese visited al Ahmed in the hospital days after the attack, calling his actions an example of “the best of humanity.” Public support poured in afterward, with more than $1.5 million donated to help his family.

Other acts of bravery ended tragically.

Boris and Sofia Gurman, a married couple in their 60s, were seen on video trying to stop the attackers before the shooting began. Boris grabbed at a rifle as the gunmen unloaded weapons from their car – which had an ISIS flag draped across the windshield. Both were killed moments later.

Another victim, 62-year-old Reuven Morrison, was shot dead while throwing bricks at one of the attackers in an attempt to stop the assault. Family members said he reacted instinctively, trying to protect others.

Even as bullets flew, an American rabbi at the event, Leibel Lazaroff, ran to help a wounded police officer, tearing off his own shirt to use as a tourniquet. He was later shot himself and injured; his mentor was killed.

Authorities say the attackers were a father and son – 50-year-old Sajid Akram, who was killed by police at the scene, and his 24-year-old son Naveed Akram, who survived and now faces murder and terrorism charges. Investigators say the pair recorded a video manifesto filled with antisemitic language and praise for the Islamic State and may have been planning the attack for months.

The massacre has shaken Australia and reignited fears about rising extremist violence and antisemitic hate crimes.

In the days following the attack, New South Wales lawmakers rushed through the toughest gun reforms in the country, including caps on gun ownership, tighter licensing rules, and restrictions on high-risk firearms. Additional laws will ban public displays of terrorist symbols and give police more power to limit gatherings after terror incidents.

NSW Premier Chris Minns urged national unity, especially toward Australia’s Jewish community.

“Everybody in Australia needs to wrap their arms around them and lift them up,” Minns said. “Australians have got their back.”

Albanese echoed that sentiment, saying the planned bravery honors are not just about medals – they’re about defining what the country chooses to stand for after tragedy.

In a moment marked by hate and loss, he said, Australians also witnessed something else: people who didn’t hesitate, didn’t ask questions, and didn’t run away – they ran toward danger.