UPDATE: A Visalia man, Gilbert Cano, was caught in the chaos of the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, just hours after he attended an AC/DC concert. The attack, which occurred during a Hanukkah celebration, has left 16 people dead and shocked the local community.
Cano, who works as a special projects technician for the Visalia Unified School District Transportation Department, arrived in Sydney on December 14, 2023, around 4 a.m. local time. He was staying at the Hotel Bondi, a popular beachfront hotel located mere steps away from the shooting scene.
Initially, Cano was unaware of the unfolding tragedy as he attended the concert in Brisbane, approximately an hour-and-a-half flight from Sydney. “At first, I thought it was maybe an isolated incident,” Cano recounted. “But then the numbers kept going up, and that’s when I realized how serious it was.”
Upon returning to his hotel, Cano discovered that he was just 100 yards from where the shooting occurred. From his balcony, he could see the aftermath of the attack. “The only reason I wasn’t here when this happened was because the concert was that night,” he said, reflecting on the close call. “If it had been the night before, I would’ve already been here, walking through those shops.”
Hotel staff informed Cano of the panic that ensued during the attack, describing scenes of chaos as people scrambled for safety. “They told me about people diving for cover, running into kitchens and freezers,” he added. “There was sheer panic.”
The local atmosphere has dramatically changed, with businesses shuttered and the typically bustling Bondi Beach eerily quiet. Cano shared a poignant video with FOX26 showing a prayer service at the Bondi Pavilion, where hundreds gathered to honor the victims of the attack. He also participated in the memorial, leaving flowers with a message on behalf of Visalia and California’s Central Valley.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, which has left the community in mourning. Businesses and Christmas markets have closed, reflecting the somber mood across Sydney.
As developments continue to unfold, Cano’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of safety during public celebrations. He urges everyone to remain vigilant and support one another during this tragic time.
For those looking to follow updates, the situation remains fluid as police and officials work to uncover more details surrounding the attack.
