A hero bystander wrestles a rifle off an alleged gunman during the mass shooting scene at Bondi Beach in Sydney on December 14, 2025. Photo: Screenshot from the Youtube account of The Sun

A hero bystander wrestled a rifle off an alleged gunman in a moment of bravery that may have saved lives, according to the footage from the mass shooting scene at Bondi Beach in Sydney, The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Sunday. 

A mass shooting occurred at the famous Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia on Sunday evening local time. 

A witness said the shooting seemed to last about 10 minutes and described it as "absolute hell on Earth," Australian media ABC reported. 

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the video shared on social media shows one of the gunmen, dressed in a black shirt, white pants and holding a black bag, standing beside two bins next to the Campbell Parade car park as he fires into the crowd gathered on the lawn nearby. 

A bystander, dressed in a white shirt and black pants, moves towards the gunman through the car park, crouching behind a parked car as he creeps as close as he can to the shooter, while remaining out of sight. 

Once he is close enough, he pounces, wrapping his arms around the gunman and wrestling with him until he’s able to pry the rifle out of gunman’s hands. The gunman then falls backwards onto the ground as the bystander picks up the rifle and aims it at him. 

At least 12 people were killed in the attack, including one of the shooters, police said. At least 29 people were taken to hospital, , according to The Guardian. 

Authorities declared the incident a terrorist attack, The Guardian reported.

The hero bystander’s action was overwhelmed by a slew of praises from many netizens. 

A netizen commented on Sun’s Youtube account that “Tackling an armed shooter like that was a very brave and selfless act. Respect to that man for his actions.” 

Another Youtube user said “Thank godness for that man, he undoubtedly saved a life(s).”

“Absolutely Shocking Condolences to everyone involved and this man deserves the highest honour for his bravery,” commented another.

Global Times