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PA MediaA young police officer who was shot in the head during the Bondi Beach attack has been released from hospital.
Probationary Officer Jack Hibbert – who has only been on the job for four months – was patrolling a Hanukkah event when two gunmen opened fire, injuring more than 40 people and killing 15.
The 22-year-old, who was also hit in the shoulder, lost vision in one eye but is currently recovering at home, his family confirmed in a statement.
“As a family, we couldn’t ask for anything more: having our Jack home, especially for Christmas, truly feels like a miracle.”
They thanked the public for their “overwhelming support” and praised medical staff for their “outstanding” care and dedication.
“While he is at home, he is still recovering and will need space, support and continued positive thoughts during this time,” the statement added.
Even after he was shot during the attack, Officer Hibbert continued to help festival attendees until he physically could no longer, his family has previously said.
“Many of his colleagues who were present the night of the incident went to the hospital and testified to Jack’s courage during the incident… They described how Jack acted, he moved towards people in need, without moving away from danger,” they said.
He was one of two officers injured in the shooting, with second officer Scott Dyson, 25, still recovering from his injuries in hospital, according to the latest police update.
Last week, NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon visited Constable Hibbert in hospital, calling him a “positive young man”.
Lanyon added that the force would rally around Constable Hibbert and find “suitable tasks” for him following his recovery.
Police said the suspected gunmen were inspired by Islamic State ideology and targeted the Jewish holiday in what was described as a terrorist attack.
Naveed Akram, 24, was charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one of terrorism. A second shooter, his father, Sajid Akram, was shot dead by police at the scene.
On Monday, new court documents allege the two men “meticulously” planned the attack for months and that two days before the shooting they traveled to Bondi for reconnaissance.
