Warning: This story contains graphic details and images.
Two bystanders who died attempting to disarm one of the alleged Bondi shooters seconds before the massacre unfolded have been identified as Russian-Jewish couple Boris and Sofia Gurman.
The pair were shot dead in the confrontation on Sunday evening as they grappled with one of the shooters, believed to be 50-year-old Sajid Akram, shortly before an attack was launched on the Hanukkah by the Sea event, killing 13 other people and injuring dozens more.
Dashcam video later uploaded to Chinese social media shows the pair, who lived in Bondi, confronting the attacker on Campbell Parade in the lead-up to the mass shooting.
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In the footage, Mr Gurman, 69, can be seen wrestling the alleged shooter to the ground, disarming him in the process.
He then wields the man's gun like a bat in an effort to stop the attack.
Later footage, which 9news.com.au has chosen not to publish, shows him fatally shot in the confrontation.
The couple was due to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary in January and her birthday tomorrow, according to a statement from the family.
"We were looking forward to celebrating Sofia's 62nd birthday on Wednesday 17th of December," the statement read.
A retired mechanic, Boris was known for his "generosity, quiet strength and willingness to lend a hand to anyone in need", the family said.
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Sofia worked at Australia Post and was "deeply loved by her colleagues and community".
The Gurman family remembered the couple as being "the heart of our family" and said their deaths have left "an immeasurable void".
"In recent days, we have become aware of footage showing Boris, with Sofia by his side, courageously attempting to disarm an attacker in an effort to protect others," the family said.
"While nothing can lessen the pain of losing Boris and Sofia, we feel an overwhelming sense of pride in their bravery and selflessness.
"This encapsulates who Boris and Sofia were – people who instinctively and selflessly tried to help others.
Mr and Mrs Gurman were the first victims of the terror attack.
To date, 15 people have died in the attack, not including the senior Akram, who was shot by police at the scene.
His son, 24-year-old Naveed Akram, this afternoon awoke from a coma in hospital, where he remains under police guard.
If you have been impacted by the terror attack in Bondi there is support available.
To contact Lifeline Australia, call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. For people under 25 years old, you can contact Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800. Both of these are available on a 24/7 basis.If you wish to donate blood, you can find your nearest donor centre here.