Vaughn Recounts Harrowing Experience of Being Near Sydney Terror Attack

International Desk
Former England captain Michael Vaughan said he was with his family during the terrorist attack targeting Jews at Bondi Beach on Sunday and that hearing the gunfire was a “horrifying” experience.

Vaughan, who was in Australia to commentate on the Ashes series, said he was stuck for several hours in a restaurant “a few hundred yards away” from Bondi—with his wife, sister-in-law, two daughters and a friend.

Vaughan, 51, who was staying at a nearby condo and had watched his son’s cricket match with his family that day, said he was talking on his mobile phone outside the restaurant when he first thought the noise from the beach was “fireworks.” A bouncer then quickly told him to go inside.

Police have declared the incident a terrorist attack targeting the Jewish community. Authorities have confirmed that at least 15 civilians, including a child, were killed in the attack. The attack targeted Hanukkah celebrations at Bondi Beach.

“Yesterday was an absolutely surreal day – one I don’t want to remember again. I’m deeply shocked by what happened.
Being locked in a pub, just 300 yards away – it was a terrifying time,” Vaughan told BBC Radio 5 Live.

He added, “I consider Bondi and especially Sydney to be my second home. Australia is an amazing country, and I always say it’s one of the safest places in the world. It’s the safest place.”

Police have confirmed that a father and son are the suspected gunmen. The elderly man died at the scene, while the other is in a critical condition in hospital.
Writing in The Telegraph, Vaughan added: “Like many of us, I have watched the terrorist attacks in London or Manchester on TV at home – close to where I live.
It feels so close and scary. But to be so close – to hear the sounds in your own ears – is truly terrifying.”

The third Ashes Test in Adelaide will go ahead as scheduled on Wednesday (Tuesday 23:30 GMT). Vaughan said the atmosphere would be “sad”, but he called Australia “a remarkable country” and said the country would bounce back.

“Both teams will be affected. It happened so close. We all know Australia and Sydney very well, but we have to move on,” Vaughan said.

This is an opportunity for cricketers to show the true face of Australia on Wednesday morning.

“There will be a depressing atmosphere throughout a big Test match, but two people can’t stop everyone. They want us to stop, do nothing, not get on with life.
It’s very important that cricket continues, and Australia will bounce back.”

Tributes paid before the third Test

Cricket Australia has confirmed that a minute’s silence will be observed before the third Test. Both teams will wear black armbands.
The England and Wales Cricket Board also expressed support, saying in a statement: “The entire England Cricket team is deeply saddened by the horrific events that took place at Bondi Beach last evening.
Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends at this time of great sadness. Our thoughts are with the people of Sydney and the Jewish community, and our deepest condolences to all those affected.”
England vice-captain Harry Brook said at a press conference at Adelaide Oval on Monday:
“It was a terrible day for everyone involved at Bondi Beach. Our thoughts are with them deeply and we are deeply saddened by the terrible events that have taken place. We stand with them always.”
Australian spinner Nathan Lyon, who plays for New South Wales, said: “I was in the hotel like everyone else, watching everything on the news. We are devastated. It’s a terrible day for everyone involved. We are with them, our thoughts and prayers are with them. What I’m going to say now is not going to please anyone. All I can say is – we are thinking of them and hope they can get through this.”