Sydney Bondi Beach incident: Was the bystander who disarmed the gunman a Muslim?

SYDNEY: The brave bystander who wrested a rifle away from an armed attacker at Bondi Beach has received worldwide praise on social media, with some users speculating whether he was Muslim. This guess likely stems from initial reports suggesting that the gunman targeted Jewish visitors at the beach. Reuters reported that at least 12 people were killed and several others injured during the attack.

Here’s what is known from the latest reports

According to Reuters, the identity of the man who intervened is not yet known, even though his actions potentially saved many lives.

His bravery has been widely appreciated, including by Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who said, “These Australians are heroes and their bravery has saved lives.”

Other reports indicate that more information about the “hero” will be shared once his identity is confirmed.

What happened at Bondi Beach?

Footage circulating on social media shows a man in a white shirt running across a car park toward a man in a dark shirt holding a rifle.

He tackles the armed man from behind, wrests the rifle from him, and then points it back at him.

According to Reuters, the gunman killed at least 12 people from the Jewish community at the beach.

The video shows the attacker losing his footing and backing away toward a nearby bridge, while the bystander places the gun safely on the ground.