The brave young police officer who was shot in the face during the Bondi Beach attack has been discharged from hospital in time for Christmas.
The deadly attack at the iconic beach unfolded as hundreds of people gathered for the Chanukah by the Sea event just before 7pm on December 14.
Naveed Akram, 24, and his 50-year-old father Sajid allegedly opened fire with military-grade weapons on hundreds attending the first day of the Jewish festival.
During the nine-minute attack, 16 people, including gunman Sajid Akram, were killed, and 42 others were injured.
Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert was one of several officers already at the beach when the shooting began.
He and his son had just left their car and were walking near Archer Park when the gunmen allegedly opened fire.
Constable Hibbert was pulling members of the public to safety when he was struck by a bullet, shrapnel tearing into the nerves behind his eye.
He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition, with the prospect of losing his eye.
Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert has been released from hospital after he was shot in the head during the Bondi Beach attack
His family has since revealed he has been discharged from hospital and will be recovering at home just in time for Christmas.
‘Our family would like to share that Jack has now been discharged from hospital,’ the family’s statement read.
‘While he is home, he is still recovering and will need space, support, and continued positive thoughts during this time.
‘As a family, we couldn’t ask for anything more – having our Jack home, especially for Christmas, truly feels like a miracle.’
The family shared their deep gratitude to his colleagues, friends, emergency services and the public for their overwhelming support, kind messages and well wishes.
‘The care and dedication shown by the medical staff has been nothing short of exceptional,’ the statement read.
‘We kindly ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we focus on Jack’s recovery and spend this special time together. Thank you again for the compassion, love, and support shown to our family.
‘Jacko, you’ve shown strength of a different degree, we are so glad you’re home buddy.’
Constable Hibbert was pulling members of the public to safety when he was hit by a bullet, with the shrapnel damaging the nerves behind his eye
Naveed Akram, 24, was charged with 59 offences including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder following the attack at Bondi Beach
NSW Health confirmed that as of 7.30am on Sunday, 13 people were still receiving treatment at hospitals across Sydney.
Of those still in hospital, four are in critical condition and nine are in a stable condition.
It comes as Aussies honoured the 15 people killed and dozens injured in the attack at an evening vigil on Saturday ahead of a National Day of Reflection.
The victims include 10-year-old Matilda; Edith Brutman, 68; Dan Elkayam, 27; Boris Gurman, 69, and his wife Sofia, 61; Alex Kleytman, 87; Yaakov Levitan, 39; Peter Meagher, 61; Reuven Morrison, 62; Marika Pogany, 82; Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41; Adam Smyth, 50; Boris Tetleroyd, 68; Tania Tretiak, 68; and Tibor Weitzen, 78.
Naveed, who allegedly shot at a crowd of hundreds alongside his father, spent two days in a coma after being shot by police.
His 50-year-old father, Sajid, was fatally shot by police.
The 24-year-old faced the Bail Division of Local Court Seven in Sydney from his hospital bed last week.
He was charged with 59 offences including 15 counts of murder and 40 counts of wounding with intent to murder.
He did not appear or apply for bail during a brief bedside court hearing and the case was adjourned until April.
