BREAKING: A Visalia resident, Gilbert Cano, found himself alarmingly close to the tragic mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, just hours after the incident unfolded on December 14, 2023. As mourners gather to pay respects at the site, Cano recounts his harrowing experience to FOX26.
Cano, a technician for the Visalia Unified School District, was in Australia for a concert by his favorite band, AC/DC. While he attended the show in Brisbane, chaos erupted at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. “At first, I thought it was maybe an isolated incident,” Cano shared. “But then the numbers kept going up, and that’s when I realized how serious it was.”
After arriving in Sydney around 4 a.m. local time, Cano checked into Hotel Bondi, located less than 100 yards from the shooting scene. “From my balcony, you could see where it happened,” he said, reflecting on the shocking proximity. The concert timing likely spared him from being present during the attack. “If it had been the night before, I would’ve already been here, walking through those shops,” he added.
Witnesses and hotel staff recounted the pandemonium that ensued during the shooting. “They told me about people diving for cover, running into kitchens and freezers,” Cano said. “There was sheer panic.” The aftermath has left Sydney in mourning, with businesses and Christmas markets closing down. Bondi Beach, typically bustling with tourists, is now eerily quiet.
Cano shared a poignant video showing a prayer service held at the Bondi Beach Pavilion, where hundreds gathered to honor those lost. He left flowers at the memorial, inscribing a message on behalf of Visalia and California’s Central Valley, emphasizing the emotional toll this tragedy has taken on communities far and wide.
As authorities continue their investigation into the shooting, the global community watches closely, reflecting on the impact of such violence. The incident has sparked urgent conversations around safety at public events, especially during significant cultural celebrations like Hanukkah.
For now, the focus remains on healing and support for the victims’ families. Cano’s story serves as a reminder of the fragility of safety in public spaces and the shared grief that unites us all in the wake of tragedy.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation continues to develop.
