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public mediaA young police officer shot in the head during an attack on Bondi Beach has been discharged from hospital.
Police trainee Jack Hibbert, who had only been on the job for four months, was on patrol at a Hanukkah event when two gunmen opened fire, injuring more than 40 people and killing 15 people.
The 22-year-old was also hit in the shoulder and lost the vision in one eye, but his family confirmed in a statement that he is currently recovering at home.
“As a family we couldn’t have asked for 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 “excellent” care and dedication.
“While he is at home, he is still recovering and needs space, support and continued positive thoughts during this time,” the statement added.
Hibbert’s family previously said that even after he was shot during the attack, Officer Hibbert continued to help festivalgoers until he physically gave out.
They said: “Many of his colleagues visited the hospital on the night of the incident and testified to Jack’s bravery during the incident… They described Jack’s behavior as he walked towards those in need rather than away from danger.”
He was one of two officers injured in the shooting, with the second officer, Scott Dyson, 25, still recovering in hospital, according to the latest police update.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon visited Sergeant Hibbert in hospital last week and praised him as a “positive young man”.
Lanning added that police would rally around Officer Hibbert and find “appropriate duties” for him once he recovers.
Police said the suspected gunman was inspired by Islamic State ideology and targeted the Jewish holiday in the terror attack.
Naveed Akram, 24, was charged with 59 offences, including 15 counts of murder and one terrorism offence. The second gunman – his father Sajid Akram – was shot dead by police at the scene.
New court documents on Monday said the pair “carefully” planned the attack for months and visited Bundy two days before the shooting for reconnaissance.
