When Edward Crabtree left his Bondi apartment on Saturday afternoon for his usual weekend walk along the beachfront, he had no idea he would soon be facing down an armed terrorist. Within minutes, the 43-year-old IT professional would make a split-second decision that authorities say prevented what could have been one of Australia's deadliest attacks.
"I didn't think about it. I just acted," Crabtree told The Daily in an exclusive interview from his hospital bed, where he is being treated for gunshot wounds to his left shoulder and arm. "I saw people running, I heard the shots, and I saw him reloading. I knew if someone didn't do something right then, more people were going to die."
The attack began at approximately 2:47pm on Saturday when a lone gunman opened fire on the crowded Bondi Beach promenade. In the chaos that followed, Crabtree—a born and bred Sydneysider who moved to Bondi just two years ago—sprinted towards the danger while others fled.
A Split-Second Decision
According to witnesses and police accounts, Crabtree was approximately 30 metres from the attacker when the shooting began. While hundreds of beachgoers scrambled for cover behind cars, buildings, and the sea wall, Crabtree ran directly at the gunman.
"I was behind a parked van, absolutely terrified," said Michelle Torres, 34, who witnessed Crabtree's actions. "I saw this man just sprint at the shooter. He hit him like a rugby tackle. They went down hard, and he just kept hitting him until the gun came loose."
In the struggle, Crabtree was shot twice but managed to wrestle the semi-automatic rifle from the attacker's grip. He then pinned the man to the ground until other bystanders rushed in to help restrain him, and police arrived within minutes.
"I grew up in Sydney. I've swum at Bondi my whole life. These are my people, my neighbours, my community. I couldn't just stand there and watch them die."
— Edward Crabtree
From Marrickville to Bondi
Crabtree grew up in Marrickville in Sydney's inner west, the youngest of three children raised by his mother, a nurse at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and his father, an electrician who worked on construction sites across the city. He attended Marrickville High School before studying computer science at the University of Technology Sydney.
After graduating in 2004, Crabtree built a successful career in information technology, working his way up from a junior developer to his current role as a senior solutions architect at a major Sydney technology firm. Colleagues describe him as methodical, calm under pressure, and unfailingly modest.
"Edward is the last person who would ever seek attention or want to be called a hero," said David Park, a colleague who has worked with Crabtree for six years. "He's the guy who stays late to help others with their projects, who remembers everyone's birthdays, who never raises his voice even when things go wrong. But I'm not surprised he did what he did. That's just who he is."
A New Chapter in Bondi
Two years ago, after the end of a long-term relationship, Crabtree decided he needed a fresh start. He sold his apartment in Surry Hills and moved to a small unit just two blocks from Bondi Beach—a decision he says changed his life.
"I'd always loved Bondi but never lived here," Crabtree explained. "Moving here at 41, I thought maybe I was having a midlife crisis. But it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. The community here is incredible. I know my neighbours. I know the staff at the local café. I've made friends I go surfing with every weekend."
It was that sense of community, Crabtree says, that drove his actions on Saturday.
"When I saw what was happening, I didn't see strangers. I saw the woman who works at the gelato shop where I get my Sunday treat. I saw the older gentleman I always say good morning to on my walks. I saw families with kids building sandcastles. These aren't just random people to me. This is my home."
The Attack and Its Aftermath
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb confirmed that the attacker, a 28-year-old man whose name has not been released, had been on a terror watchlist but was not considered an imminent threat. The investigation into how he obtained the weapon and whether he had accomplices is ongoing.
Four people were killed in the attack before Crabtree intervened, and eleven others were injured, three critically. Medical experts have said the casualty count would almost certainly have been much higher had the gunman not been stopped when he was—he was carrying additional ammunition and had a clear line of sight to dozens of people trapped on the beach.
"Mr Crabtree's actions were nothing short of extraordinary," Commissioner Webb said at a press conference on Sunday. "His courage and selflessness in the face of extreme danger saved lives. There is no doubt about that."
National Recognition
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Crabtree in hospital on Sunday morning, describing him as "an Australian hero in the truest sense of the word."
"What Edward Crabtree did represents the very best of the Australian character," the Prime Minister said. "In a moment of unimaginable terror, he ran towards danger to protect others. His bravery will never be forgotten, and a grateful nation thanks him."
There are already calls for Crabtree to receive the Cross of Valour, Australia's highest civilian honour for acts of conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril. The Governor-General's office has confirmed the nomination is being processed.
'I'm No Hero'
Despite the outpouring of praise, Crabtree remains characteristically humble. Speaking from his hospital bed, his left arm heavily bandaged, he deflected attention away from himself.
"I'm not a hero. The real heroes are the paramedics who saved lives, the police who secured the scene, the doctors who worked through the night," he said. "I just did what anyone would do. I happened to be close enough to do something, so I did."
When asked what he would say to others who might find themselves in similar situations, Crabtree paused for a long moment before answering.
"I'd say trust your instincts. Don't overthink it. If you see something happening and you can help, help. We look after each other in this country. That's who we are."
Crabtree is expected to remain in hospital for several more days while doctors monitor his injuries. His employer has announced he will receive full pay during his recovery and for as long as he needs thereafter. A GoFundMe campaign started by his neighbours has already raised over $500,000, which Crabtree has asked to be redirected to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack.
As for what comes next, Crabtree says he hasn't thought that far ahead.
"Right now, I just want to heal up, go home, and take my dog for a walk on the beach," he said with a tired smile. "That's all I want. Just a normal Sunday in Bondi."