UPDATE: A Visalia man found himself at the heart of chaos during the deadly mass shooting at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Gilbert Cano, who was on vacation to attend an AC/DC concert, shared his harrowing experience as the tragedy unfolded just steps from where he was staying.
Cano, a special projects technician for the Visalia Unified School District, arrived in Sydney on December 14, 2023, only hours after the horrific attack that left 16 people dead during a Hanukkah celebration. He recounted how he learned of the unfolding events after his concert, stating, “At first, I thought it was maybe an isolated incident. But then the numbers kept going up, and that’s when I realized how serious it was.”
The mass shooting occurred while Cano was at the concert, approximately an hour-and-a-half flight away in Brisbane. “My hotel was maybe 100 yards away from the shooting—maybe even less,” he explained. From his balcony at the Hotel Bondi, he could see the aftermath of the attack.
Upon checking into his hotel, staff described the chaos that erupted as people fled for safety, with eyewitness reports of sheer panic as bystanders hid in kitchens and freezers. Cano noted the eerie silence that now blankets Bondi Beach, a typically bustling tourist destination, saying, “Businesses and Christmas markets closed, and Bondi Beach was eerily quiet.”
In a poignant moment, Cano shared a video of a prayer service held at the Bondi Pavilion, where hundreds gathered to honor the victims. He also left flowers at the memorial, writing a heartfelt message on behalf of Visalia and California’s Central Valley.
The attack, which has shaken Sydney to its core, has prompted increased security measures and a heavy police presence in the area. Authorities confirm that the investigation is ongoing, and the community is left grappling with the tragic loss.
As the world watches, Cano emphasizes the importance of solidarity in the face of violence, stating, “We need to come together, no matter where we are from.” This sentiment resonates deeply as communities around the globe extend their thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
For anyone affected by the events in Bondi Beach, support services are available, and local authorities encourage community resilience in the wake of tragedy.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
