Sydney, Australia – In a somber update that underscores the ongoing toll of the December 14 terror attack at Bondi Beach, the family of injured NSW Police Constable Scott Dyson has revealed the 25-year-old officer has been undergoing surgeries “almost daily” since the horrific shooting. While there is a glimmer of hope – Dyson emerged from a medically induced coma earlier this week – his recovery remains a long and grueling battle, highlighting the lasting impact of the tragedy that claimed 15 lives and wounded dozens more.

The Bondi Beach massacre, classified as a terrorist act targeting a Hanukkah celebration, unfolded on a sunny afternoon when father-son duo Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly opened fire on a crowd gathered at Archer Park near the iconic beach. The attackers, armed with shotguns and rifles, also threw homemade explosive devices that fortunately failed to detonate. Sajid was fatally shot by police at the scene, while Naveed faces 59 charges, including 15 counts of murder and terrorism-related offenses.

Constable Scott Dyson, attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command for 18 months, was one of the first responders who rushed toward danger. Alongside Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, 22, Dyson confronted the gunmen in a chaotic scene described by witnesses as “utter panic and chaos.” Both officers were hit by gunfire – Dyson sustaining multiple bullet wounds that left him critically injured.

In a statement released through NSW Police on December 22, Dyson’s family shared the latest on his condition: “Our family would like to share that Scott has been getting stronger each day, and today, he was woken up for the first time [from his coma]. [He] has undergone surgery almost daily. There is still a long way to go in his recovery, but this is a positive sign.”

The revelation that surgeries are happening “almost every day” paints a picture of the intense medical efforts required to stabilize the young officer. Sources close to the case indicate Dyson’s injuries were severe, involving multiple bullet impacts that necessitated repeated interventions to address internal damage, infections, and reconstruction. Medical experts note that such frequent operations are common in gunshot cases to manage complications like bleeding, organ repair, and tissue reconstruction.

This update comes amid broader reports on hospital statuses following the attack. As of late December, around 12 victims remain hospitalized, with several in critical but stable condition. Dyson’s colleague, Jack Hibbert – who had only been on the force for four months – was discharged just in time for Christmas after multiple surgeries. Tragically, Hibbert lost vision in one eye from wounds to his head and shoulder, but his family called his survival and release a “miracle.”

The heroism of Dyson and Hibbert has been widely praised. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon described the officers’ actions as exemplary, noting they moved toward the threat to protect civilians. Colleagues who visited Hibbert in hospital recounted how he continued assisting victims even after being shot, embodying the selflessness expected of law enforcement.

The personal stakes for Dyson add an emotional layer to his story. Reports emerged shortly after the attack that the officer had recently learned he and his partner – also a NSW police officer – were expecting their first child. Friends described the news as coming “just last week” before the tragedy, making his fight for recovery all the more poignant as he battles to return to his growing family.

The Bondi attack has sparked national soul-searching in Australia, a country with strict gun laws that hadn’t seen a mass shooting on this scale in decades. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese vowed to strengthen firearms regulations further, while state leaders pushed for urgent reforms. Court documents revealed the Akram duo had meticulously planned the assault for months, including reconnaissance visits to Bondi and firearms training in rural areas. Police also alleged ties to Islamic State ideology, with an ISIS flag found in their vehicle.

Community response has been overwhelming. Vigils at Bondi Beach drew thousands, with floral tributes and memorials transforming the site from celebration to sorrow. The Jewish community, directly targeted during the “Chanukah by the Sea” event, has received widespread support, though leaders warn of rising antisemitism.

Dyson’s family expressed gratitude for public support: “We would like to thank the public for the messages and well wishes shown to Scott and our family during this difficult time.” Privacy requests have been respected as focus turns to healing.

As the holiday season approaches, the nation holds its breath for further positive updates on Dyson and other survivors. His emergence from coma offers hope, but the admission of near-daily surgeries serves as a stark reminder: the road to recovery for these heroes is far from over.

This tragedy at one of Australia’s most beloved landmarks has left indelible scars. Yet stories like Dyson’s – of bravery in the face of terror and resilience amid pain – continue to inspire. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact police as investigations proceed.