A powerful photograph has emerged capturing the moment a lifeguard raced towards the scene of the deadly Bondi Beach shooting, trauma kits in hand, to aid the wounded. The image, taken on Sunday evening, symbolises the immediate and selfless response of emergency personnel to Australia's second-worst mass shooting.
The Sprint to Save Lives
The photograph shows Jackson 'Jacko' Doolan running from the neighbouring beachside suburb of Tamarama towards Bondi Beach. He was one of numerous lifeguards who rushed to attend to victims after alleged gunmen Naveed Akram, 24, and his father Sajid, 50, opened fire from a footbridge connecting Campbell Parade to the Bondi Pavilion.
Surfer and lifeguard Clint Kimmins, who shared the image on social media, praised his colleagues. "My lifeguard coworkers were the absolute first on scene, doing everything they could to help in a situation that could have very easily endangered their own lives," he wrote. "The photo above is Jackson sprinting from Tamarama to assist."
A Community in Mourning
The attack, which occurred as people were celebrating Hannukah, has left a deep scar. The death toll remains at 15 innocent lives lost, with a further 42 people rushed to hospitals across Sydney. Nine victims have been identified, including the youngest, 10-year-old Matilda, who was shot in the stomach and later died in hospital.
Her aunt, Lina, expressed the family's profound grief, stating they were "going through beyond devastation." Other victims included British-born Rabbi Eli Schlanger, 41, French national Dan Elkayam, 27, and retired NSW Police detective sergeant Peter Meagher, who was working as a freelance photographer at the event.
On Monday night, thousands flocked to the world-famous beach to pay their respects, leaving flowers and tributes outside the Bondi Pavilion.
Aftermath and Official Response
Sajid Akram was shot dead by police during the incident. His son, Naveed, is in hospital under police guard and is expected to survive. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that Naveed Akram will 'likely' face criminal charges once his medical condition permits.
Commissioner Lanyon also addressed the gunman's father, confirming Sajid held a category AB firearms licence and was a member of a gun club, making him eligible under the Firearms Act. In a call for unity, Lanyon stated, "Retribution or acts against any part of any community will not be accepted. This is a time for the community to come together."
The photograph of Jackson Doolan's heroic run has been widely praised online, with many Australians saying it captures the true spirit of the nation in a time of crisis. As the community grapples with the tragedy, the actions of first responders offer a poignant reminder of courage amidst chaos.
