Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan has recounted the terrifying experience of hearing gunshots during a recent terror attack at Bondi Beach. Vaughan, who is in Australia commentating on the ongoing Ashes series, was approximately 300 yards away from the chaos, safely locked inside a pub with his family and friends.
On Sunday, Vaughan spent a relaxing day with his wife, sister-in-law, two daughters, and a friend, enjoying a cricket match featuring his son. The mood changed suddenly in a tense moment when Vaughan walked out of a restaurant to take a phone call. At first, he thought the rapid gunfire was celebratory fireworks from the beach.
Even the bouncer who wasn’t nearby quickly noticed the scene coming to a head. He encouraged him and the rest of the group to quickly enter the restaurant for refuge. Vaughan stated, “To be 300 yards away, in a pub locked away, scary times.”
After the tragedy, Vaughan shared his condolences and sadness at the senseless attack. “Like most people, I have been at home watching terrorist attacks unfold in London, or Manchester, near where I live,” he said. All of that feels very close to home, and is really terrifying. To be close enough where you can hear it taking place, that’s terrifying.”
As Vaughan thought back over the episode, he recognised its huge repercussions for the just-arrived third Ashes Test fixture. He said it will lead to a “sombre scene.” He called for these tragedies not to be allowed to shape the future of our cities or sports. You can’t let two individuals between us and all of you say that this is where it all has to grind to a halt,” he declared.
Vaughan was hopeful for Australia’s newfound strength in the wake of the attack. He told us that this country is an “amazing” place and reiterated his belief that this country will “come back.” He said Australia is now one of the safest countries globally, bar none. He ended his remarks by calling for healing and recovery in the community affected by this horrific incident.
That attack has prompted strong language from officials, even including South Australia Premier Peter Malinauskas, usually a pretty free trader himself. He expressed deep sadness over the incident, stating, “We’re extremely saddened. It’s a horrific day for everyone involved. We stand by them and our thoughts and prayers are with them.”
Malinauskas outlined the need for increased vigilance in the wake of the attack. This is not unheard of, it’s just a precautionary measure,” he said. Indeed, as we move through this post-disaster world, it’s appropriate that we keep this new level of vigilance even after the smoke has cleared.
Yet the prevailing sentiment among everyone present is still one of shock and fear for the victims. Malinauskas added, “Nothing I’m going to say right now is going to make anyone feel any better. Other than that we’re thinking of them and hopefully they can get through this.”
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