The family of Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, who was injured in the Bondi terror attack, say it’s a Christmas miracle that he has now returned home from hospital.
The 22-year-old was on duty patrolling Jewish Hanukkah celebrations on Dec. 14 when Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly opened fire on the crowd, killing 15 people and wounding dozens more.
Hibbert, who had only been a police officer for four months, continued to protect and help others while he was injured, until he was physically unable to do any more.
He was taken into intensive care in hospital, where he was intubated and underwent numerous surgeries.
Police say his injuries cost him his vision in one eye.
But in a new statement issued by Hibbert’s family on Dec. 23, they said having their beloved family member back home had truly felt like a miracle.
“Our family would like to share that Jack has now been discharged from hospital,” they said.
“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.”
Hibbert’s family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they had received, including kind messages and well wishes from the community.
Thanks were also extended to Hibbert’s colleagues and medical services.
“We kindly ask that our family’s privacy be respected as we focus on Jack’s recovery and spend this special time together,” the family said.
“Thank you again for the compassion, love, and support shown to our family.
Young Constable Praised in Parliament
As New South Wales parliament urgently reopened to pass new legislation in the wake of the attack, MP Rod Roberts commended the bravery of both Hibbert and fellow officer Scott Dyson, who was also shot.“As a former detective, I wish to thank the police officers who were first on the scene, who with courage and devotion to duty, eliminated the threat within minutes,” he said.
“I'd especially like to note the bravery of Constable Scott Dyson and Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert. Constable Dyson is 25 years old and has been in the police force for only 18 months. He is due to be a first-time father. Witnesses stated that he moved towards people in need, not away from danger, and continued to help others while seriously injured with multiple gunshot wounds.
“Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert is a young man of just 22 years, and has only been in the job for four months. Jack was on duty patrolling the Hanukkah celebration, interacting with the community at Bondi Beach when the incident first occurred—he was shot in the shoulder and the head and lost an eye. Amazingly, both officers survived.”
