UPDATE: A Visalia resident, Gilbert Cano, recounts his harrowing experience just steps away from the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. The tragedy unfolded during a Hanukkah celebration on December 14, 2023, claiming the lives of 16 individuals and leaving the community in shock.
Cano traveled to Australia to attend an AC/DC concert, arriving in Sydney around 4 a.m. local time, just hours after the attack. He was staying at the Hotel Bondi, located less than 100 yards from the shooting scene, which he described as an “isolated incident” until he learned the full extent of the chaos.
“They told me about people diving for cover, running into kitchens and freezers,” Cano shared, reflecting on the panic that ensued. “There was sheer panic.” He realized the gravity of the situation only after leaving the concert, as reports of casualties continued to escalate.
The aftermath has left Bondi Beach, a typically vibrant tourist destination, eerily quiet. Cano noted that local businesses and Christmas markets closed in response to the tragedy. As mourning continues, he participated in a prayer service at the Bondi Pavilion, where hundreds gathered to pay their respects.
In an emotional gesture, Cano left flowers at a growing memorial, writing a message on behalf of Visalia and California’s Central Valley. “The only reason I wasn’t here when this happened was because the concert was that night,” he emphasized, highlighting how close he was to the scene.
As investigations continue, authorities work to identify the motives behind the attack, which has shaken Sydney and beyond. This incident marks a significant moment in the ongoing challenges faced by communities worldwide regarding safety during public celebrations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and remember to keep the victims and their families in your thoughts during this difficult time.
