Australia is grappling with shock and grief after a deadly shooting at a Hanukkah celebration on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Authorities have officially declared a terrorist act targeting the Jewish community. At least 15 people were killed, including a 10-year-old girl, and dozens more were injured in what has become Australia’s deadliest mass shooting since the 1996 Port Arthur massacre.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the violence as an act of antisemitism and terrorism, vowing to strengthen gun laws and calling for national unity.
How the Attack Unfolded?
The shooting began on Sunday, 14 December, shortly before 7 p.m. local time, when police received reports of gunfire near a park on Bondi Beach where a Hanukkah event was underway. Videos verified by authorities show crowds fleeing in panic as gunshots rang out. Some footage appears to capture two attackers firing from a small bridge overlooking the park area where families had gathered for the celebration.
In one widely shared clip, a bystander later identified as Ahmed al Ahmed, a local shop owner and father of two, is seen tackling one of the gunmen, wresting away his firearm, and forcing him to retreat. Moments later, police arrived and exchanged gunfire with the attackers. By 7:39 p.m., police confirmed that suspects were in custody. At 10 p.m., authorities formally declared the incident a terrorist attack.
Who Are The Victims?
Police say the victims ranged in age from 10 to 87. Among those killed were:
- Two rabbis involved in organizing the Hanukkah event
- A Holocaust survivor, who reportedly died while trying to protect his wife
- Members of the Jewish community from Australia and abroad
Dozens were injured, with 24 people still hospitalized across Sydney, including three in critical condition. Four children were transferred to a specialist children’s hospital. Two police officers were also shot while responding to the attack and remain hospitalized in serious but stable condition.
Who Were the Alleged Attackers?
Authorities allege the shooting was carried out by a father and son:
- Sajid Akram, 50, who was shot dead by police
- Naveed Akram, 24, who is hospitalized and expected to face criminal charges
Police say Sajid Akram was a licensed firearms holder and legally owned multiple guns. Six firearms believed to have been used in the attack were recovered from the scene.
Investigators also found two improvised explosive devices, which were safely removed by bomb disposal teams.
Political and International Reaction
Australian leaders moved quickly to condemn the attack and signal action:
- Albanese said tougher gun laws will be discussed at the national cabinet level
- New South Wales Premier Chris Minns called for changes to state firearms legislation
Internationally, leaders expressed solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community. Condolences and condemnations came from the United States, Israel, the United Kingdom, and other allies.
What Is Hanukkah?
Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, commemorates a Jewish victory more than 2,000 years ago that restored religious freedom. It is typically marked with public celebrations, candle-lighting ceremonies, and family events.
The Bondi Beach gathering, organized by the Jewish group Chabad, was intended as a family-friendly celebration with music and activities. Around 1,000 people were believed to be in attendance.
Conclusion By Factcheck India
Mass shootings are rare in Australia due to some of the world’s strictest gun laws. The Bondi Beach attack has reopened urgent questions about firearms licensing, extremism, and public safety. As investigations continue, Australia faces a painful reckoning both with the scale of the tragedy and with how such an attack was able to happen at all. For now, the country mourns its dead, honors the bravery of first responders and civilians, and confronts a chilling reminder that even societies with strong safeguards are not immune to hate-driven violence.