đ¨ COURAGE IN CRISIS đ¨
After 15 harrowing days in a medically induced coma, Constable Scott Dyson has finally opened his eyes, giving his family a long-awaited glimmer of hope.
But the road to survival has been horrific â surgeons had to perform near-daily operations to keep him alive, and updates reveal that his battle is far from finished. đ¨
đ Full, shocking medical details in the comments đ
A Ray of Hope Amid Tragedy: Constable Scott Dyson Opens His Eyes After Grueling Battle Following Bondi Beach Terror Attack
On December 14, 2025, the idyllic shores of Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australiaâone of the world’s most iconic coastal destinationsâwere shattered by an act of terror that claimed 15 lives and injured over 40 people. What was meant to be a joyful celebration of the first day of Hanukkah at a “Chanukah by the Sea” event in nearby Archer Park turned into a scene of unimaginable horror when father and son Sajid Akram, 50, and Naveed Akram, 24, allegedly opened fire on the crowd.
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The attackers, armed with firearms and reportedly carrying homemade explosives that failed to detonate, targeted the gathering in what authorities quickly classified as a terrorist incident. Among the heroes who rushed toward danger were two New South Wales (NSW) Police officers: Constable Scott Dyson, 25, and Probationary Constable Jack Hibbert, 22. Both were seriously wounded while confronting the gunmen, embodying the bravery that defines law enforcement in moments of crisis.
In the weeks that followed, the nation held its breath for updates on these two young officers. While Hibbert was discharged from hospital just before Christmasâdespite permanently losing vision in one eyeâDyson faced a far more protracted and agonizing fight for survival.
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On December 22, 2025âeight days after the attackâDyson’s family released a statement that brought a glimmer of hope to a grieving country. After being placed in a medically induced coma and undergoing surgeries “almost daily” to stabilize his critical injuries, Constable Dyson had opened his eyes for the first time.
“Our family would like to share that Scott has been getting stronger each day, and today, he was woken up for the first time,” the statement read, as reported by multiple outlets including the NZ Herald, ABC News, and 7NEWS. “There is still a long way to go in his recovery, but this is a positive sign.” The family expressed profound gratitude to the public for their support and to the medical team for their tireless efforts, while requesting privacy during this difficult time.
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Constable Scott Dyson, who had been attached to the Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command for 18 months, suffered multiple gunshot wounds in the chaos. Reports indicate he was in critical but stable condition in the immediate aftermath, requiring immediate intubation and transfer to intensive care. The frequency of surgeriesâdescribed as “almost daily”âsuggests severe internal damage, likely involving vital organs, vascular injuries, or complications from bullet fragments that necessitated repeated interventions to control bleeding, remove damaged tissue, or prevent infection.
In trauma cases involving multiple gunshots, such ongoing operations are not uncommon. Surgeons often perform initial damage-control surgery to stabilize the patient, followed by staged procedures as swelling subsides and the body’s response becomes clearer. These could include laparotomies for abdominal wounds, thoracotomies for chest injuries, or orthopedic fixes for limb damage. Each trip to the operating theater carries risks, including anesthesia complications, blood loss, and infectionârisks amplified in a patient already in critical condition.
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The decision to keep Dyson in an induced coma was a deliberate medical choice to protect his brain from further injury, reduce metabolic demand, and allow his body to heal without the stress of consciousness. Waking from such a coma is a delicate process; doctors gradually reduce sedation while monitoring for responsiveness. The fact that he opened his eyes is a milestone, indicating that his brainstem functionâthe most basic level of awarenessâis intact. It suggests he is emerging from the deepest stages of unconsciousness, a cause for cautious optimism.
However, the family’s acknowledgment that “there is still a long way to go” underscores the reality: emerging from a coma does not equate to full recovery. Patients like Dyson may face a spectrum of challenges, including cognitive impairments, motor deficits, speech difficulties, or post-traumatic stress. Rehabilitation could involve months or years of physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support. In severe cases, survivors grapple with chronic pain, organ dysfunction, or permanent disabilities.
Meanwhile, Dyson’s colleague, Probationary Constable Jack Hibbertâwho had been on the force for just four monthsâprovided another story of resilience. Shot in the head and shoulder, Hibbert miraculously survived initial injuries that rendered him blind in one eye. His family described his homecoming as a “miracle,” especially timed for Christmas, though he faces additional surgeries and a challenging recovery ahead.
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The bravery of both officers has been widely praised. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon visited them in hospital, highlighting their selflessness. Colleagues recounted how Hibbert continued assisting victims even after being wounded, moving toward danger rather than away.
The broader context of the attack adds layers of sorrow and complexity. The event targeted a Jewish community celebration, raising concerns about rising antisemitism. Investigators revealed the attackers had recorded a manifesto featuring Islamic State symbolism, and Naveed Akramâ the surviving gunmanâfaces multiple murder and terrorism charges.
In the days following the shooting, thousands gathered at Bondi Beach for vigils, laying flowers and lighting candles in remembrance.

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As of early January 2026, no further public updates have been released on Constable Dyson’s condition, respecting the family’s request for privacy. The lack of new statements could indicate a focus on steady, private rehabilitationâor, in a more cautious hypothetical, ongoing complications requiring continued intensive care. Trauma recovery is unpredictable; setbacks such as infections, organ failure, or neurological issues can arise weeks after initial stabilization.
Yet the milestone of opening his eyes remains a powerful symbol of hope. For a young officer who ran toward gunfire to protect strangers, it represents the first step in what will undoubtedly be a heroic personal battle.
The stories of Dyson and Hibbert remind us of the human cost borne by first responders. In an era of increasing threats, their actions saved lives and halted further carnage. As Australia continues to heal from this tragedy, the nation’s thoughts remain with these officers and all victims. Constable Dyson’s awakening is not the end of his ordeal, but a testament to human resilienceâand a prayer answered for his family, colleagues, and a grateful public.