Bondi hero cop Cesar Barraza to wait for commendation, hearing told
A police officer whose act of bravery ended the Bondi Beach massacre was told he would not receive an award until the trial was over, a hearing was heard.
Detective Senior Constable Cesar Barraza fired the shots that hit Sajid and Naveed Akram, who allegedly shot Bondi on December 14.
He fired his service-issued gun from a distance of about 40 meters towards the bridge from behind a thin tree.
However, Constable Barraza, who has been widely applauded for his bravery, will not receive a medal or other recognition until Naveed Akram’s court proceedings are completed, although Bondi Westfield attacker Detective Inspector Amy Scott will receive a medal within a few months.
Police Minister Yasmin Catley told the hearing that “we absolutely need to do this” once these proceedings and other investigations are concluded.
“In Amy’s case it was different because the perpetrator was obviously killed immediately,” he said.
Shooters, Fishermen and Farmers NSW MLC Mark Banasiak questioned the need for waiting, asking: “How does a court case affect whether we recognize a police officer?”
“I understand where you are coming from, but I think we need to let this run its course,” Ms. Catley said, referring to the lawsuit.
He acknowledged Constable Barraza’s “perfect shots” and said “we owe him one.”
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon, who met with Constable Barraza, said he and other officers were commended.
Constable Barraza was present when Governor General Sam Mostyn noticed that two police officers had been injured in the attack.
Bondi hero Ahmed al-Ahmed was inducted into a special honors list just weeks after the terror attack.
He received a number of accolades, including the key to the city of Canterbury-Bankstown in Sydney and a lifetime Waverley Beach pass.
Inspector Scott, who shot dead the Bondi Westfield attacker in April 2024, regained his awareness of bravery nearly two months later.
Naveed Akram is being held on 15 murder charges, among other crimes.
The case, which is guaranteed to go to a higher court due to its seriousness, may take years to be concluded.
