Couple Tackled Bondi Beach Gunmen Before Being Fatally Shot Just Weeks Before 35th Wedding Anniversary

A couple in their 60s died after trying to intervene during the terror attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia.

Boris and Sofia Gurman were among 16 people who were fatally injured in what authorities described as the country’s worst mass shooting in three decades. At least 40 others were wounded when gunmen opened fire at around 6:40 p.m. local time on Sunday, Dec. 14, the New South Wales (NSW Police) said in a news release.

The pair were later identified as the people seen in a dash cam clip that spread widely online. The video, shared on the Chinese social media platform Rednote, shows two bystanders attempting to tackle one of the shooters as he stepped out of a car with an Islamic State flag over the windshield, according to The Sydney Morning Herald and News.com.au.

“We are heartbroken by the sudden and senseless loss of our beloved Boris and Sofia Gurman,” their family said in a statement obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald. “They had been married for 34 years, with their 35th wedding anniversary approaching in January.”

The family added that they had been preparing to celebrate Sofia’s 62nd birthday on Wednesday, 17th of December.

The Russian-Jewish couple lived in Bondi and had a son in his 30s, per News.com.au.

Boris was a retired mechanic remembered for his generosity, while Sofia had worked at Australia Post, The Guardian reported. The Sydney resident whose dash cam captured the couple’s actions said their heroism “shouldn’t be forgotten.”

In another statement acknowledging the footage, the family said that while nothing could ease the grief, they felt immense pride in the couple’s courage and instinct to protect others, per The Guardian. “We are deeply grateful for the love, compassion and support that has been shown to our family during this unimaginable time,” they added, asking for privacy as they mourn.

A fundraiser set up to support the couple’s son has raised more than $100,000.

Many children and families from the Jewish community had gathered at Bondi Beach for Chanukah by the Sea, an event marking the first day of Hanukkah. The victims ranged in age from 10 to 87. The attack was described as Australia’s worst mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur Massacre.

Suspected gunman Sajid Akram, 50, and his 24-year-old son, Naveed Akram, were not on a terrorism watchlist before the incident, ABC News reported. Sajid died at the scene, and Naveed was taken to a hospital in critical condition.

In a news release, the New South Wales Government said “we stand united” while honoring those killed.

“NSW is a welcoming and connected society. One which respects the differing views, backgrounds and cultures that make us stronger,” said NSW Government. “This incident was designed to target Sydney’s Jewish community on the first day of Hanukkah, which should have been a night of peace and joy.

“Incidents targeting our Jewish communities have no place in our society,” the government continued. “We recognise the distress these types of incidents have and how they impact the wellbeing of individuals and our communities, particularly children and young people.

“Hate and violence will not be tolerated. Threats against any part of our society are a challenge for us all,” they concluded. “Together we are stronger and can ensure that no one falls victim to these hateful influences.”